Whether you’re looking for more brands to try, the best prices/deals, or just a store able to ship to your country so you can finally get a taste of this herb, the stores below have you covered. This herb is a species of the holly genus (Ilex), with the botanical name Ilex paraguariensis A. This herb 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. Although this may seem like I’m biased towards them (which frankly I am), it’s for good reason… PampaDirect is a fairly new online store but they’ve already gained my trust and loyalty as a customer. Okay Houstonians and soon-to-be Materos, here’s a list of markets in Houston that sell this herb. Where to buy this herb in Houston, Texas.
This herb is used to make a beverage known as mate. This herb was first cultivated and used by the indigenous Guaraní people and in some Tupí communities in southern Brazil, prior to European colonization. I truly hope you embark upon your journey and come to see the Way of the Matero.
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Although gourds are traditionally made from natural gourds, such as the calabash, many of the best choices today boast man-made materials for durability and usability. And these are two characteristics you can expect from our top choices.
What is a gourd called?
Yerba mate gourds, also called mate, come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Choosing one can be stressful as they have pros and cons. Some require responsibility, while some don’t. Some are used for one thing, while another is used for something else. If you don’t choose wisely, you can end up with a poor drinking experience. This post covers all 7 types of gourds below.
- The calabash gourd should be familiar. Stainless steel cups trade some tradition for usability. The gourds survive wear over years.
The gourd balances contrasts. The warm gourd overflows with froth. The bombilla invites us to share.
Yerba is versatile. But for us the gourd is central. Yes, it requires skill. But it can teach us to slow down and connect.
Traditionally, yerba is prepared in a gourd called the mate. Moisten with cold water to release flavor. Then pour in hot water.
Drinking traditionally extracts all goodness. Repeatedly topping up hot water and agitating with bombilla sips.
- Five materials make gourds: calabash, wood, leather, metal, cedar. Even within each style suits different tastes.
Some say palo santo gourds ease stomach aches from yerba. No studies confirm this folklore. But a kinship is born when you know what you like.
Do you need a gourd for yerba mate?
A calabash fruit is often used for making a traditional gourd. A calabash gourd has a very hard shell. Wood, calabash, metal, ceramic, and silicone are the five main materials for making gourds. Calabash gourds are traditional. Before first using a new calabash gourd, fill it with loose yerba and hot water. Let it sit like this for a day, pouring more hot water as the initial water absorbs. This cures the gourd. A cured calabash gourd can reveal the real taste of yerba mate.
The traditional method of preparing yerba mate uses a gourd and a bombilla (filtered straw). Put loose yerba mate leaves in the gourd. Pour hot (not boiling) water into the gourd. Drink the infusion by sucking it up through the bombilla. Keep adding more hot water to extract more flavor. This method produces a delicious, energizing drink.
How long does one gourd of yerba mate last?
A kilogram will last over half a year when consumed daily if prepared with a tea strainer instead of a gourd. A single pack can last many drinking sessions. If using a smaller gourd that requires only 10-15 grams, a kilo will last even longer.
Yerba mate has hints of tobacco and oak. Brew the traditional way in a gourd with bombilla to extract the most flavor. Pour hot (not boiling) water over moistened leaves and let sit five minutes.