A wood gourd adds a pleasant flavor to the yerba mate from their first use, though wood gourds do not have the more powerful flavor enhancing properties of a squash mate gourd.
Flat base of wood gourd adds stability, so the mate cup is less likely to tip over.
Remember, the mate cup's unique shape compresses the yerba mate tea in order to create suction for nutrient extraction, and preserves the high level of nutrients. Using these specially shaped mate gourds is the secret to maximizing the benefits of yerba mate.