So you’re getting into yerba mate, and you’re wondering how long mate gourds can last. More specifically, calabash gourds.

Whether it’s your first or second one, the answer might surprise you.

Keep reading to find out…

What Is A Mate Gourd Made Of?

Mate gourds are made from the calabash plant.

Once they’re fully grown, these gourds are taken to dry. When finished, the gourds are cleaned and hollowed out by removing a majority of the inner plant material. And what you have left is your traditional yerba mate gourd!

Pretty simple isn’t it?

So when you’re preparing yerba mate in a gourd, what you’re really drinking out of is a dried plant.

The exterior is smooth yet hard as a rock, while the interior is textured but gets smoother when you cure it and as it gets used more over time.

But just how long can it be used?

How Long Do Mate Gourds Last?

I have several yerba mate gourds of almost every kind, but the one I use most is my traditional calabash gourd. I got it around 2 years ago and have used it nearly every day since.

And guess what?

The gourd is still going strong and I don’t see how I’ll ever stop using it unless I drop and break it.

This goes for any calabash gourd…

If you take good care of it, clean it after every use, and prevent mold from forming, a mate gourd can last you practically your whole life.

Even though my gourd is 2+ years old, it still works like new. The only difference is it lost some color on the outside. But other than that, there are no cracks and never has it had mold growing on it. As far as the inside goes, it’s nice and smooth with a dark green/black tint all-around – an indication that it’s fully cured.

My gourd of 2+ years

Despite being used 600+ times over the years, it’s still in amazing shape.

So to answer the question of how long do mate gourds last, I’d say forever when taken good care of and stored under the proper conditions.

How do you do so?

Here are a few pointers…

How To Make Your Mate Gourd Last Forever

First, make sure you clean your gourd after every use, leaving not even a single speck of yerba inside.

Second, keep your gourd in a cool, dry, and sunny location when not in use to dry and prevent mold.

And lastly, don’t drop it.

If you can follow just these three things, your mate gourd will likely last you forever.

The only way it’ll be rendered useless is if it’s cracked. But even then, it may still be repairable and useable.

Final Words

Whether you’re hesitant or plain curious about buying a calabash gourd because of its lifespan, you don’t need to worry.

Just be sure to take care of them.

Again, I’ve had mine for over 2 years already without any issues, and I believe I can get at least another 10+ years out of this thing. Maybe more.

I’ve heard of some people who still use the same gourd they bought 5, 8, 12 years ago.

So there’s your answer.

Though lightweight and quite fragile, mate gourds can withstand the test of time and may even be passed down. The same goes for gourds made of any material whether it be wood, stainless steel, glass, or silicone.

P.S. If you found this article helpful, you might want to check out our store for long-lasting gourds.