What is the molcajete?
The molcajete is a traditional mortar from Mesoamerica, widely used in Mexico. It is used to grind or crush foods, such as grains, spices, and vegetables, for the preparation of sauces and other dishes. To grind the ingredients, a stone cylinder called a tejolote, temolote or commonly referred to as a molcajete stone is used.
In the restaurant we use the tripod Molcajete with a pig’s head.
Where did the molcajete originate?
The word molcajete, received from the Nahuatl Mollocaxtli, which means concave stone for sauce. These instruments were born in Mesoamerica approximately 8000 years ago, and there are those who consider their invention as the reason that the consumption of seeds increased, and therefore, the domestication of corn.
What was the first molcajete?
Archaeologists say that the first thing that was used was the metate for a similar purpose, but over time it evolved into this mortar. The existence of the molcajete has been known for a thousand years and its appearance has not changed since then.
What do the 3 legs of the molcajete mean?
The molcajete has three legs that mean will, memory and action, which is the method to teach yourself in life, the tejolote represents life itself that you take in your hands.
How to know if it is volcanic stone?
Volcanic rocks are a type of rock formed when lava or magma cools. This rapid cooling causes small crystals (so-called microcrystals) to form in the rock, which gives it a crystal-like appearance, as we can see in obsidian.