Gourds in Mate

Welcome to our buying guide to choosing the ideal mate gourd, the essential accessory for enjoying this traditional South American drink.

The gourd, much more than a simple container, embodies the soul of the mate ceremony, connecting lovers of this infusion to the deep cultural roots of its consumption.

The mate gourd is one of the essential tools, along with the mate bombilla , for consuming mate in the traditional way.

It serves as a traditional container for infusing and drinking mate .

Coming from a fruit, the squash , ours are created in an artisanal way, for a duration of 6 months to 2 years .

Creating the final mate cup involves a meticulous process and several essential manufacturing steps to ensure its quality and authenticity:

1. Careful harvesting of squash :
   Carefully selected for its qualities and size, the squash is harvested at optimum maturity.
   
   
2. Careful emptying and drying :
   After harvesting, the squash is carefully emptied of its contents and left to dry, a crucial step to ensure its strength and durability.
   
   
3. Artistic and technical finishes:

• The installation of leather, adding a touch of elegance and resistance.
• The metal strapping, which reinforces the structure while providing an aesthetic finish.
• Engraving, a delicate work that personalizes each mate cup, making it unique.

To learn more about the manufacturing , maintenance or even preparation of your mate with the mate gourd, we invite you to consult our blog .

Mate gourds come in many shapes and sizes, each offering a distinct drinking experience.

Among the most popular types are Torpedos , Camioneros , and Imperials .

Here is a description of these three main types of mate gourds:

Torpedo gourds

Torpedo gourds get their name from their elongated , tapered shape, reminiscent of a torpedo .

They are particularly appreciated for their pleasant grip and their ability to offer a large contact surface between the water and the yerba mate , which allows for a rich and complete infusion.

Also, their shape offers a windproof aspect, rather practical when consuming outside!

Camioneros gourds

Camioneros gourds are renowned for their sturdiness and practical shape, designed specifically for people on the move, as their name ("truckers" in French) suggests.

They often feature a widened base for better stability and a body that tapers toward the top to minimize spillage, making them ideal for drinking mate while driving or traveling.

Imperial gourds

Imperial gourds are distinguished by their generous size and their rounded shape, offering a greater capacity than other types of gourds.

This feature makes it an ideal choice for group mate , allowing you to share the drink with family and friends without the need to frequently refill the gourd.

Imperials are often richly decorated , emphasizing their status as gourds intended for special occasions or for avid consumers looking for a centerpiece for their collection.