Molcajete / Mortar and Pestle

A small mortar and pestle made of volcanic stone. Requires cured-season and special care (directions are below). Three leg molcajete measures 2.5” height, 2.75” diameter. Flat base molcajete measures 2” height, 2.25” diameter.

Recommended for ages 2 and up.

This tiny mortar and pestle is perfect for grinding or crushing foods like salt, grains, garlic cloves, peppercorn, etc. What a great practical life activity!

This activity help indirectly prepare children for handwriting and other complex skills. As they grasp the cylinder and work to grind ingredients, they are strengthening their pencil grip, flexibility of the wrist, and and overall hand strength to get the hands ready for the fluid movements of handwriting.

This Meso-American mortar and pestle is called a molcajete. A stone cylinder is used to grind ingredients.

Directions for Care:

Garlic cloves and salt can be used to season the molcajete before and between use. This seasoning process can be an activity in itself!

After grinding garlic and salt together to form a paste, the molcajete should be rinsed and dried.

When ready to use, the molcajete will turn darker in color.