There are many types of vessels available on the market for drinking yerba mate, ranging from classic gourds made from calabash, various species of wood, bull's horn or hoof (guampa), to easy-to-use and clean ceramic and clay cups. Natural vessels add an extra layer of flavor to the prepared brew, making them quite popular. Each type has its own pros and cons, which we will try to explain so you can choose the right vessel for yourself with full confidence.
Yerba mate gourds made from calabash
The plant used to create these popular gourds is the calabash (Latin: Lagenaria siceraria), an annual climbing plant that reaches up to 10 meters in length. It has been cultivated for centuries and was known to the Egyptians over 3,000 years BC. In South America, it began to be widely cultivated over 500 years ago. A fully mature fruit reaches 80-100 centimeters in length. Its characteristic feature is a woody shell, allowing the fruit to be used for drinking yerba mate. Vessels are made from fully ripened fruits and can serve as bowls, masks, jugs, musical instruments, and, most importantly, brewing vessels for mate.
Gourds themselves can be painted, leather-bound, decorated, or carved, making many gourds true works of art, like beautiful lamps ;)
Two types of vessels can be made from the calabash fruit: calabaza and porongo.
Calabaza comes from the lower part of the fruit; it is cheaper to produce than porongo and is more susceptible to mold. It requires more care from its owner, as it needs to stay dry whenever possible. They are mostly available in capacities of 150-300 ml, although small gourds (a few dozen ml) and large ones holding about half a liter also exist.
Porongo comes from the upper part of the fruit; it is more resistant to cracking and mold thanks to the thicker, harder walls in that section. It is more durable than a calabaza gourd. Due to the shape of the fruit, most porongo gourds are placed in special stands or bases. They are more expensive than the Calabaza type.
Both calabaza and porongo gourds require proper preparation. However, porongo gourds are prepared using a simplified method due to the small amount of remaining pulp, check how to cure the gourd.
A characteristic feature occurring during the use of a gourd vessel is its "sweating," which is the condensation of water droplets at the bottom of the vessel. This is a natural process and does not indicate any defect. At the beginning of use, the vessel may leak slightly, so we recommend placing the gourd on a coaster to avoid unnecessary stains ;)
Every type of gourd must be dried regularly. After finishing the brew, remove the grounds, wash, and dry the vessel. To speed up the drying process, you can wipe the inside of the vessel with a paper towel or place it in a warm spot, for example, near a radiator.
Another natural phenomenon is the dulling of the gourd's outer shell over time. You can easily restore its former shine by rubbing it with a paper towel dipped in a small amount of oil.
Drinking yerba mate from a gourd adds an extra depth of flavor that cannot be achieved in ceramic or clay vessels.
Wooden yerba mate vessels
There are several species of wood used to create mate drinking cups: Palo Santo, Lapacho, Algarrobo, and Pampeano.
Many mate enthusiasts consider Palo Santo vessels to be the finest type of wooden cup because its resinous aroma and taste give the brew an extraordinary flavor. Palo Santo cups can undergo a curado process. However, it is not strictly necessary. Care should be taken to keep the cups slightly moist and prevent them from drying out too quickly, which could cause cracking.
As a rule, they are intended for cold mate (tereré), but metal-encased versions can also be used for hot brewing. A major advantage of Palo Santo materos is that they do not absorb other odors or mold, allowing you to drink different varieties of yerba without fear of mixing aromas ;)
Lapacho
In South American countries, the inner bark of Lapacho is used as a valued medicinal remedy (anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral). In Poland, these vessels are not yet popular and remain difficult to order.
Algarrobo
A tough and durable species of wood sourced from 45 species of Prosopis plants. It is valued for its hardness, while the bark of Algarrobo wood is used for leather tanning.
Pampeano
A variation of Palo Santo wood characterized by a unique design. Water is poured into a special channel located at the top of the vessel. The channel itself has holes carved into the walls of the matero, allowing water to flow directly into the cup. This design aims to simplify brew preparation and ensure a more even steeping of the herb during refills.
Guampa
A vessel made from a bull's horn or hoof, designed for drinking cold yerba mate (tereré). Guampa vessels are not suitable for preparing warm infusions.
Bamboo yerba mate vessels
Like wooden vessels and Guampas, bamboo cups are designed exclusively for tereré.
Ceramic yerba mate vessels
Ceramic vessels are made from various materials (ceramics, glass, or clay). They are easy to maintain and clean, requiring virtually no preparation. However, they do not impart any additional aroma like traditional mate cups do. They come in various sizes and color options, so everyone can find a vessel to suit their needs.
As you can see, there is a wide selection of yerba mate vessels made from various materials. The choice is yours :)
