Mate Gourds

Browse our collection of mate gourds featuring two main types - traditional calabash gourds, handcrafted by skilled artisans in Argentina and Brazil, and stainless steel mate cups for a modern, low-maintenance alternative.

Whether you're just getting into yerba mate or looking to add to your collection, we carry a wide range of styles - from simple, unadorned calabashes to ornate leather-wrapped mates with engraved metal rims.

What To Expect From Your First Mate Gourd

If you're buying a mate gourd made of calabash, don’t expect it to look factory-perfect.

These gourds are natural, which means no two are exactly alike. Each one has its own shape, texture, and character.

You may notice small blemishes or surface marks on the calabash, variations in color or grain.

These gourds are also finished by hand. The leather wrapping is cut, fitted, and applied manually, and the metal rim (virola) is chiseled and set by hand as well. Because of this, slight variations are completely normal.

If you’re used to perfectly uniform, mass-produced drinkware, this might feel different at first. But that’s exactly what makes a traditional mate gourd so special.

Which Mate Gourd Is Best For Beginners?

The best mate gourd for beginners is one made of stainless steel. Compared to a calabash, these don't need to be cured and don't risk growing mold either. They can be used right away and be cleaned up much easier.

If you want the traditional experience, calabash gourds are best. And for a beginner, we recommend our CRIOLLO for its size and simplicity.

FAQs About Mate Gourds

  • What is a mate gourd?

    A mate gourd (or simply called a mate) is the traditional cup used for preparing and drinking yerba mate. Originally made from hollowed calabash gourds, they also now come in more modern materials like wood, stainless steel, ceramic, and even silicone. Some can be as basic as the calabash itself, or decorative with engraved metal rims, wrapped in leather, etc.

  • Where are mate gourds made?

    Authentic calabash gourds are handcrafted in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay - the traditional heartlands of yerba mate culture. Our collection specifically mostly comes from Argentina and Brazil. We partner with skilled artisans and workshops that make each mate by hand.

  • How do I cure a mate gourd?

    Curing a mate gourd is a traditional step done (only to natural calabash and wooden gourds) to clean out leftover plant material/debris, and by drawing out the natural bitter tannins. There are many methods to cure a mate, but we have found steeping your gourd in hot water (170F/77C) for about 20 minutes is the quickest and easiest way while producing a similar result.

  • How do I prevent mold in a mate gourd?

    Mold shows in mate gourds when left to dry under poor conditions (no airflow, high humidity). To prevent mold, it's always best to clean your gourd immediately after each use, pat dry with a paper towel to absorb as much moisture as possible, and rest the gourd on its side in a cool, dry environment. Ideally, under sunlight or by a fan. For best results, we recommend using a small desktop USB fan.

  • How do I clean my gourd?

    Gourds made of natural materials (calabash, wood) should only be rinsed with warm water. Do not use soap, as it can get absorbed into the gourd. Scoop out the yerba, rinse under water, pat the inside with a paper towel, and leave to dry in a cool, dry environment.