Molcajete y Tejolote

The molcajete is the Mexican equivalent of the mortar; the same relationship exists between the tejolote and the pestle. Authentic molcajete and tejolotes will be composed of basalt volcanic rock. This stone is porous, so it absorbs flavors and imbues them in later molcajete contents.

The molcajete and tejolote have been a Central American culinary tradition since the days of pre-Mexican history - Mayan and Aztec civilizations used these volcanic stone spice bowls to mash corn into masa, and in the making of tortillas!

Some molcajetes are fashioned in a very special shape! See our Spice Bowls Fun Stuff page on Pig Shaped Molcajetes!