Name: Molcajete with Tortilla Basket
SKU: 1055959

The molcajete is a century-old mortar and pestle used by Mexican cooks. Its rough surface is made entirely of volcanic stone, ideal for grinding and releasing flavorful oils from vegetables and spices. Like cast-iron, your molcajete bowl can go in the oven, retain heat for an hour, and it picks up flavors over time, continually enhancing the foods you’re working with. Perfect for salsa, guacamole, queso, mole, and more.

Better with time
Nothing compares to the flavors that volcanic stone brings out of spices and vegetables. The more you use it, the more flavor and character you get. One day, you’ll be ready to pass it on to your grandkids.

Better with friends
Our molcajete can make guac for one, but we found that everyone loves to gather around. Grab some chips, grab some friends, and you’ve got yourself a piece of kitchenware and awkward-situation-insurance.

How They Are Made

Its rough surface is made entirely of volcanic stone, ideal for grinding and releasing flavorful oils from vegetables and spices

Care

Just like cast iron, molcajetes need to be cured, or “broken in”. Small grains of the rock can loosen from the surface when it’s first used, giving your food a gritty texture. Curing helps smooth the surface.

Here’s what we recommend for curing before first use:

Rinse the molcajete with water (or let soak in water overnight), then clean with a wire brush, or toothbrush, to get rid of surface debris and dust.
Place enough rice to make an even layer across the bottom of the molcajete.
Pour in about a tablespoon of water, then use the pestle to work the rice up and around the entire inner surface of the molcajete until the rice has formed a grey paste.
Rinse out the paste, and repeat the rice grinding until the resulting paste is no longer grey.
You can then repeat with garlic, onion, cumin seeds, rock salt, or cilantro to add a seasoned flavor before your first use.

Dimensions

Approximately 7" diameter. Variations in size may occur since each one is hand-carved.

What's Included

Each molcajete is packed in a tortilla basket made of handwoven palm leaves. Each one is unique in color and pattern. You can use the basket for corn chips, or tortillas.

Shipping:

Orders of $40 or more qualify for free Standard shipping.

Returns:

You can return or exchange full-priced products within 30 days.

Exchanges and returns for store credit are free.

If you prefer a refund, there will be a $10.95 shipping and handling fee that will be deducted from your refund.

Food Items: Due to safety, we cannot accept returns of perishable items. If the product is damaged we are happy to replace it.

Bringing you on a cultural journey with artisan-made culinary & home goods from around the world

Introducing Verve Culture

They are dedicated to providing an intimate look at how particular tools and preferences can produce unique interactions with friends and family. Every one of their gourmet food, home goods, and kitchen products comes with a description of how it was made, who made it, and when it was made.

Values and Social Impact

Verve culture collaborates with a group of incredible artists and craftspeople who have been their allies throughout their journey. They provide a platform for other businesses to grow and are proud to share their stories of tradition and passion.

About the Founders

Jules and Jacquie, mother and daughter founders, have been in the gift business together for 27 years. They started looking for more distinctive products with heart and soul after getting disenchanted with the mass-produced goods that were so prominent on the market.