What is the perfect size for a mate gourd? Complete guide

The mate gourd, used for centuries in South America, is much more than a simple container. It is a symbol of tradition , conviviality, and artisanal know-how.

Traditional gourds , often made from dried gourds , wood or ceramic , vary in size and shape, directly influencing the preparation and tasting of mate.

alpaca and bronze mate gourd

Traditional mate gourds come mainly in three sizes: small, medium and large , each offering specific advantages.

Small gourds are perfect for mate drinkers who prefer individual portions or who wish to discover mate gently.

They allow for an infusion with fewer mate leaves in order to obtain a milder flavor.

However, their small capacity makes the infusion shorter, about 500ml of infusion for 10 to 20g of mate .

Medium-sized gourds are the gourds traditionally used, the perfect compromise between practicality and capacity .

With enough capacity for several infusions, they require less refilling than small gourds. They are ideal for regular consumption, whether alone or with others.

They can hold approximately 30g of mate and can infuse approximately 1L of water .

Large gourds are designed for sharing with family or in large groups. They allow you to prepare a large quantity of mate at once (between 40 and 50g).

However, their large capacity (approximately 330ml) can make the infusion of mate leaves less uniform and requires a larger quantity of mate and water.

We do not recommend these gourds for amateurs who wish to discover the drink.

250ml trucker's mate gourd

Among the available sizes, the 250 ml gourd stands out as the most traditional and functional . This size is often preferred for several reasons:

 1. Optimal Preparation

 The 250ml gourd allows you to create the " montanita " or well for infusing the yerba mate leaves, using a recommended amount of approximately 20 to 30 grams of yerba mate . This ensures a balanced and flavorful infusion.

 2. Appropriate Volume

A 250ml calabash offers an ideal grip . This volume is traditionally preferred because it allows you to enjoy the perfect amount of infusion and then add water to share with a neighbor.

 3. Prevention of Overinfusion

One of the main challenges in preparing yerba mate is avoiding over-infusion , which can make the drink bitter. With a 250 ml gourd, it's easier to consume all the added water before refilling, thus ensuring a consistent and pleasant flavor .

Iced maté in a gourd by the water's edge

One of the main drawbacks mentioned by some consumers is the need to frequently refill the water tank . This can be tedious, especially if you don't have a thermos .

Indeed, one might think that a 300ml gourd would be more practical. However, the opposite is true; the risk is infusing too much yerba mate at once or breaking the well by infusing all the leaves, which makes the mate very bitter and not recommended, especially for beginners who are not used to the taste of mate.

Our 2-in-1 Tempera mate thermos is the ideal solution to overcome this obstacle. It allows you to have water at the perfect temperature available wherever you are. Refilling your water supply then becomes a simple matter.

When you regularly drink yerba mate, a thermos is essential for a comfortable tasting experience . The best part about this thermos? Its lid transforms into a 240ml gourd, perfect for enjoying yerba mate wherever you are!