Molcajetes
Volcanic stone molcajetes with their tejolote, made in Mexico, for grinding salsa, guacamole and spices the traditional way.
What is a molcajete?
A molcajete is the Mexican mortar and pestle: a volcanic stone bowl with its tejolote, a pestle made of the same stone. The porous stone crushes ingredients instead of blending them, so salsa comes out chunky, with more texture and flavor.
Which molcajete size should I get?
The 18 cm (No. 7) is the home size, for salsa or guacamole for two or three people. The 20 cm (No. 8) gives you more room to grind, and the 23 cm (No. 9), around 5 kg, is for daily salsa makers or for serving a sizzling molcajete of meat at the table, since it holds the heat.
How do you season a new molcajete?
Before its first use, season it to remove the loose grit: soak it for an hour and scrub it with water, grind raw rice until the dust comes out white, spread a garlic, cumin and salt paste overnight, then rinse and air dry. Never use soap: the porous stone absorbs it.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy a volcanic stone molcajete in the U.S. or Canada?
At MexGoodies: volcanic stone molcajetes with tejolote, made in Mexico, in 18, 20 and 23 cm, shipped anywhere in the U.S. in 3 to 7 days and to Canada in 6 to 12 business days plus customs time.
How can I tell if a molcajete is authentic?
An authentic molcajete is volcanic stone (basalt): it is heavy for its size and has irregular pores. Concrete imitations crumble with use.
How do you clean a molcajete?
Just hot water and a stiff brush, no soap and no dishwasher, then let it air dry completely before putting it away. It gets smoother with use.