The curing process is essential to prepare the volcanic stone molcajete for use and ensure its proper functioning, enhancing the flavors of your dishes. Follow these steps in the order listed:
Materials:
- Volcanic stone molcajete
- Raw white rice
- Coarse sea salt
- Water
Steps:
Initial Cleaning: Before beginning the curing process, make sure your new molcajete is clean. Wash it thoroughly with water and a mild detergent to remove any dust or residue from the manufacturing process. Rinse well to remove any soap residue.
Grinding Rice: Start by grinding one or several handfuls of raw white rice in the molcajete. The rice should be ground in circular motions, moving from side to side and also along the edges of the molcajete. This will help remove any impurities and smooth the inner surface. Grind until the rice becomes a fine powder.
Rinse with water: Discard the ground rice and rinse the molcajete with water to remove any rice residue. Use a scrub brush to ensure all debris is removed. Repeat this process until the water runs clear.
Grind Coarse Salt: Grind a handful of coarse sea salt in the molcajete. This will help remove remaining impurities, condition the surface, and improve the texture for grinding ingredients.
Rinse with water: Discard the ground salt and rinse the molcajete again with a scrub brush and a little water to remove any salt residue. Make sure it is completely clean.
Grind Rice and Water: In this step, grind a handful of raw white rice with a little water in the molcajete. The mixture should have a paste-like consistency. Grind until the water takes on a milky appearance.
Final check: Observe the color of the water you have ground. If the water turns white, it indicates that the molcajete is free of volcanic stone residue. If you get a gray color, repeat the steps above until the color turns white.
Final Rinse: Rinse the molcajete with a scrub brush and water. It is normal for small particles of rice or salt to become embedded in the molcajete; These will not affect its performance and will gradually be removed with use.
Air Dry: Allow the molcajete to air dry completely before use.
By following these steps, your volcanic stone molcajete will be properly cured and ready to use. Every time you use it you will contribute to its continuous seasoning and enhancement of flavors in your culinary preparations. If you notice slight leakage during initial uses, this is normal as the pores will gradually close over time.
Now I share with you an exclusive molcajete design in the shape of an Olmec head, which will give a special touch at meal time, you will go from having a normal culinary presentation to an ancestral one.
