How to clean the molcajete step by step

Read in EnglishMexican food is one of the most diverse, complex, and exquisite in the world, and it is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage. However, Mexican cuisine is not only known worldwide for dishes like tacos, guacamole, pozole, or mole, but it is also characterized by the use of ancient utensils, such as the metate and the molcajete. In the case of the molcajete, it has been used in our country for thousands of years. The word molcajete comes from the Nahuatl Mol-cáxitl, from molli stew or sauce and cáxitl, bowl. According to INAH, the traditional molcajete was made of clay and was cured with a mixture of water and lime, then left to dry in the sun. Today, molcajetes are made of volcanic stone, and the stone used for grinding is better known as tejolote or pilón. Because the stone gives a particular flavor to dishes, the molcajete is often used to prepare all kinds of sauces, but it is also important to note that the porous surface can make cleaning difficult. If you have one of these ancient utensils at home and want to learn how to wash it properly, we explain how at kiwilimón!You can also read: How to clean the blender with vinegar and other ingredientsHow to clean the molcajete step by stepWe know that your molcajete is essential in your kitchen, as you use it to prepare guacamole and all sorts of exquisite sauces to accompany your meals, which is why we tell you how to clean it step by step, it's very easy! 1. Rinse the molcajete Since we use the molcajete to prepare a wide variety of sauces, it is common for pieces of tomato, onion, garlic, and tomatillo to accumulate in the pores of the volcanic stone, so it is essential to rinse it very well before washing it, as it will be much simpler if there are no food pieces. 2. It's time to soak it After rinsing the molcajete with hot water, you should fill it with hot water and soak it for about 15 minutes to soften all the food residues. 3. You will need a brush Since the volcanic stone is porous, it is best to use a small brush to remove any traces of food. You can also read: How to eliminate bad odors from the refrigerator?4. Forget about soap Remember that the molcajete absorbs odors, so if you use scented soap, the next time you prepare guacamole, it could taste like soap. If you feel more comfortable using soap, remember to use a very small amount that has no scent. 5. Eliminate bad odors If you feel that your molcajete is retaining bad odors, all you need is a lemon. Cut it in half, rub it all over the molcajete, let it sit for 10 minutes, and rinse with hot water. 6. Let it dry It is very important that your molcajete is completely dry before storing it, as in the worst case, it could get moldy.