La Calabaza

Mate gourd, also known as mate gourd or simply mate, is a container traditionally used in South American countries, especially in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and parts of Brazil, to prepare and consume mate, a popular herbal infusion. The mate gourd is made from a dried gourd, usually of the species Lagenaria vulgaris, although other varieties of gourd are also used. Mate gourd is an important cultural symbol in these regions and mate is a highly valued drink for its flavor and stimulating properties due to the caffeine and other compounds present in yerba mate. In addition, it is believed to have digestive and antioxidant properties. The gourd used to make mate gourd can be decorated and carved in various ways, becoming a handcrafted and distinctive object of each person.