Stainless Steel Gourds
Stainless steel gourds have a sleek and shiny appearance. Its formfitting shape also comfortably fits in your hand like a glove so it feels like it was made just for you. Stainless steel cups are the modern take on yerba mate gourds. The gourds are usually sleek and survive the wear and tear over multiple years. With all types of yerba mate gourds, it’s best to clean them each time after use and then let the gourd dry.
Personal Preference
To really get into the trend, you’re going to need one of these yerba mate gourds. Material, however, is not the most important thing in my opinion. I prefer calabash gourds, but I enjoy and use all of them, be it a sturdy stainless steel gourd that travels with me, small calabash gourd for short sessions when I’m pressed for time, or a heavenly smelling palo santo gourd for my regular mate sessions.
History and Regions
Yerba mate is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily in Paraguay, as well as in Argentina, Uruguay, southern and central-western Brazil, the Chaco region of Bolivia and southern Chile. When served cold, the drink is called tereré in Guaraní.
Choosing the Best Yerba Mate
But with so many options on the market, how does one choose the best yerba mate? I will guide you through the fascinating world of yerba mate, helping you navigate the different types, factors to consider, and popular brands. Mate offers natural energy boosting properties and increases focus and alertness.
You can also brew mate in a French press. The gourd is a traditional vessel used for drinking yerba mate. Mate is a type of tea that is made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. However, you can also brew mate in a French press.
Though simple, plain mate is the most popular kind around the world, there are other options. If you are looking for the perks of drinking mate but aren’t a fan of the taste, you can find flavored mates.
What is Yerba Mate?
Mate is a traditional South American drink made from the dried leaves of the yerba mate plant soaked in hot water. It is served in a container called a mate or gourd. The mate is filled with dried yerba mate leaves then hot water (not boiling) is added. The drink is consumed through a metal straw called a bombilla.
Choosing a Gourd
The choice depends on personal preference.
This curing process helps dry the gourd to prevent mold growth. A well cared for gourd can last a lifetime.
The yerba mate gourd, also called mate, comes in different shapes, sizes and materials. Some gourds require care while some don’t. If you don’t choose wisely, you can end up with a poor drinking experience.
You can choose a gourd based on circumstances like where it will be used and with how many people.
About Yerba Mate
Yerba mate is an herbal tea made from the leaves and twigs of the yerba mate plant, which is native to several South American countries including Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and parts of Brazil. It has a long history of traditional use in these regions and has more recently become popular worldwide as a caffeinated herbal tea with potential health benefits.
Conclusion
Overall yerba mate is appreciated worldwide as a flavorful, functional alternative to coffee and tea, with devotees who enjoy its unique herbal taste and energetic lift.