Calabash Mate

Mates made of calabash (squash) gourds are the most traditional ones, specially in Argentina. These mates are made from a dried calabash gourd. The spanish term for calabash is "calabaza". There are tons of different shapes, sizes and usually are combined with other materials, such as "alpaca", stainless steel, wood or leather. These mate gourds are the most common choice among mate drinkers. Calabash gourds enhances the flavour of the yerba mate, beacause of it's material porosity. Before using it for the very first time,  it needs to be "cured".