Two Tone Wooden Mate Gourd and Bambilla Straw Starter Kit

A mate gourd is the traditional cup used to drink yerba mate, often made from calabash, wood, ceramic or metal. The bombilla is a special metal straw with a filter at the bottom that lets you sip the infusion without swallowing the leaves.

Fill the gourd about two thirds with yerba mate. Tilt it to one side and pour in a little cool water to moisten the leaves. After a minute, insert the bombilla and pour in hot water, around 70 to 80 degrees Celsius. Sip and refill as needed.

To prepare a wooden gourd, it’s best to cure it before the first use. Fill it with used yerba mate and warm water, let it sit overnight, then rinse it thoroughly. This helps seal the wood, prevents cracking, and reduces bitterness from the wood’s natural tannins. Let it dry completely before using it again.

Traditionally, the gourd is filled about halfway to two thirds with yerba mate. This allows enough room for water while keeping the flavour strong. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Drinking from a gourd is a traditional and social way to enjoy yerba mate. It gives a more authentic experience and often enhances the flavour, especially with natural gourds that develop character over time.

Yes, you can refill your gourd with hot water several times as long as the yerba still has flavour. Many people use the same gourd and yerba for multiple rounds.

With proper care, a wooden gourd can last for years. Avoid leaving water in it for too long and always let it dry completely after use to prevent mould or cracking.