Mates & Gourds

Calabash, or calabash

In pre-Columbian times, the Guarani Indians steamed yerba mate in dried and hollow gourds. This method is practiced to this day, not only in the South American jungle, but throughout the modern world. The common gourd, or rather its outer part, called calabash (Spanish Calabaza), is dried, hollowed, prepared, and finally decorated. Calabash prepared in this way acts as a yerba mate mug. Fans of this type of yerba cookware should learn about the rules of its maintenance, which determines how long the calabash will last.

Matero

The second type of yerba mug in which you prepare an infusion of holly is the so-called Matero. These dishes can be made of various materials (ivory, wood, ceramics, glass, metal, silicone) and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The car version is called a matero drive and it is shaped to be used while driving. A material closed with a lid also works great in the car.

The yerba mate matera made of wood are also very popular. As wood affects the taste of the brew, its type cannot be accidental. The most commonly used wood is algarrobo, cocobolo, kebraczo, cinnamon, orange, rose or oak wood.

Types of matero:

• Matero palo santo
• Wooden matero
• Clay matero
• Glass material
• Ceramic matero
• Matero drive, or car matero
• Guampa
• Matero palo santo

The matero palo santo deserves a special attention among lovers of Paraguay. It is a yerba mug made of a "sacred tree" called palo santo in Spanish. Due to its unique and very peculiar smell, palo santo wood is used as incense. During the process of brewing yerba in such a mug, palo santo releases the resin into the brew, giving it a characteristic and unique flavor.

Guampa

A traditional type of yerba mate dish is also guampa, a matero made of buffalo horn or cow hoof. Guampa was and still is widely used by the Gauchs, or cattle herders living in South America. Guampa can also act as a tereré vessel. And although they should traditionally be made of a buffalo horn or hoof, there are also versions made of palo santo, ceramics or metal.

Curado, or the conservation of gourds

Before we start using the calabash, or yerba gourd, the vessel should be properly prepared and preserved. This process is called curado. It consists in pouring dried herbs into the gourd, pouring boiling water over it and leaving it for 24 hours. After this time, the infusion should be poured out, and the inside of the calabash thoroughly cleaned with a spoon from the remains of the fruit, and then dried. To avoid rotting and molding, the gourd should be rinsed and dried every other day, preferably on a radiator or in the sun.

• Matera in our store

Adapting to the needs of customers and changing consumer trends, we come out to you with an offer of unique yerba mugs. Below is a list of our timeless bestsellers.

• Ceramic matero 350 ml

Large and stable material made of glazed ceramics. Designed in the traditional shape of a gourd, i.e. Calabash. Due to the smooth surface, matero is extremely pleasant to the touch and easy to keep clean.

• Ceramic matero 250 ml

A ceramic, hand-made gourd-shaped material. The vessel is glazed on the inside, and its outer surface is covered with decorative, convex stripes, thanks to which the matero does not slip from the hands.

• Matero drive 250 ml

Ceramic material adapted to car handles, so you can enjoy your favorite yerba while traveling. Matero is glazed inside and on the upper, outer edge. On the outside, it is rough, which facilitates a stable grip while driving.