The Molcajete is the authentic Mexican lava stone mortar and pestle, hand-carved from a single block of volcanic rock and used for thousands of years to grind chilies, spices, herbs, and to crush garlic into smooth, aromatic pastes. Our modern molcajete keeps the porous volcanic rock grinding surface that pre-Hispanic cooks relied on, paired with a handcrafted wooden base that doubles as a tortilla warmer.
Brand new molcajetes have loose grit from carving. Before first use:
- Rinse with cool water, no soap.
- Grind a handful of dry white rice in the mortar until it turns into grey powder. Discard.
- Repeat with fresh rice until the powder comes out clean white, usually 2-4 cycles.
- Grind a head of garlic with coarse salt and a bit of cumin for the first 'flavour seasoning'. Discard or use as a marinade base.
- Rinse and air-dry. Ready to use.
