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SELECTING A GOURD
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Like many materos out there, my first gourd was a calabash gourd. These are the traditional, hardened squash gourds that can be easily purchased in an Argentinian market or online.
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You may be saying to yourself, "I can't go to an Argentinian market to buy a gourd and my local market doesn't sell gourds. So what should I do?" Luckily for you, there are many online markets and stores from which you can purchase a gourd. I will add some links at the bottom of this page for you to browse and make your selection (I am not affiliated with any of the companies or links provided. I just wish to share with you the options available to you.)
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What are the different types of gourds?
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Traditional gourds are made from calabash, wood, or bone. More modern gourds are made from glass, ceramic, metal, or silicone. You cannot really go wrong with your choice, but there are select gourds that are used for select yerba. Let's take a look at a few differences between gourds from various countries.
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Brazil - In Brazil, the gourd is called a cuia (coy-yah). These are larger, taller gourds with large diameter mouths. Cuias are used with Brazillian erva which is a freshly, finely grounded yerba.
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Uruguay - Uruguayans prefer larger gourds. The mouth and cup shape are wide. These gourds are typically wider but shorter than cuias, and wider and taller than Argentinian style mates.
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Argentina - Traditional calabash gourds are most common in Argentina. Most Argentinians prefer smaller gourds. Most Argentinian gourds have big vessels with smaller mouths.
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Paraguay - While not everyone uses them, commonly used is the guampa. Guampas are made from bone. They are hallowed out bull horns. All guampas have a curved shape and range in height.
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Modern gourds - Metal, glass, silicone, or ceramic gourds are vastly popular among materos. Many of these gourds, especially the metal or silicone ones, offer great options for those who love to travel, the outdoors, or adventure, as they offer durability.
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What factors are important in making my decision?
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There are two main factors that come in to play when you are trying to figure out which type of gourd you want or need.
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1. Purpose - Is this a decorative piece I plan to show off or a gourd I can throw in my bag and hit the road without worrying about damaging the gourd? There are beautiful traditional gourds that are pieces of artwork. Many are wrapped in leather, have ornate metal around the rims, or even engravings. These types of gourds are wonderful decorative pieces and they are most definitely conversation starters. On the other hand, you can purchase modern gourds that are readily available to travel with you whenever you are ready to go! Modern gourds can be painted and decorated to your liking as well.
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2. Consumption - Will I use this gourd alone and do I plan on sharing a yerba mate with others? Typically, wooden gourds are great for solo consumptions. However, keep in mind that it is wise to look at 'volume' of the gourd before purchasing. Solo gourds range from 150ml to 180ml while group (2 or more) could range from 200ml to ~230ml. No one says you MUST stick to this 'rules'... Enjoy as much as you want!
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I should mention that it is typical for those drinking erva to do so out of a cuia and tohers drinking various yerbas do so out of their respected gourds. This is just a rule of thumb.
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Where can I purchase a gourd?
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These are trusted sites that have quality gourds, friendly service, and great customer service. Links are from around the world, so please be mindful of where you are shopping. Click on the links to visit their pages.
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Argenthings (Argentina based - ships worldwide)
Yerba Mate Australia (Australia based)
Mate Guru (New Zealand based)
EquisMate (Netherlands - ships worldwide)
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If you have other trusted sources, please email me and let me know. I will add more links so others can enjoy the wonders of yerba mate!