Authentic Metate y Mano
Filed in archive Gadgets on April 25, 2006
It's no secret that I love Mexican cuisine and the tools that go with it. The metate in the picture is something I'm pining for. A metate is a rough stone slab used to grind mostly seeds and nuts and other spices. The mano is the rounded stone rubbed back and forth on the metate to grind the seeds. Chocolate was and is (still!) traditionally made this way. The metate and mano were the equivalent of today's food processors and were used to grind meat, fish, fruits, maize (corn) and other foodstuff. Check out this thread from eGullet for more details.
Now, back to my metate, from the website:
A beautifully hand carved metate y mano. This is the highest quality "negro" stone. The metate sits on 3 legs and slants down so ingredients can be captured into a container placed at the end of the metate. The craftmanship is excellent. Average measurement is 12 - 14" long, 10 -12" wide and slopes from 8" high down to 4" The mano is 8 1/2" long. Avg. weight 40 - 50lbs. Each piece is unique. Stock is limited.
$225.95
Permalink: Authentic Metate y Mano
Tags: Mexican implements
Vote for Authentic Metate y Mano:
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Rating: 9.00 out of 4 vote(s) cast.
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Response from:
stef
(04/25/06 8:56pm)
karen, how much do these cost in the philipines? i've been eyeing one for sometime now but yikes! the price! there are some locally in mexican markets but i'm they look a little iffy in quality.
Response from:
dileepkv
(04/28/06 12:57pm)
I immediately took notice of the article when i saw the photograph.
It reminded me of a similar equipment in our part of the world (Kerala, India). Its known as "Ammikkallu" in the native toungue and is made out of high quality granite.It does not have legs, instead is seated on a rather high platform or seating just outside the kitchen.
In a place like Kerala, where a lot of spices are an integral part of the cuisine, Ammikalu is an extremely common household equipment. No amount of modern technology has or can replace the exquisite flavour that this stone adds to your food.
Well its not a very pricey equipment. You can purchase one for around $60.
The more used the equipment is, the more better it is. Infact the stone pieces become so smooth due to continuos use that it starts resembling a polished tile. You will then have to get it chistled to recreate its rough texture so that its grinding function is restored.
And believe me. you don't have to do that frequently. Just once in 5 years or so if you use the equipment to its extreme.
It reminded me of a similar equipment in our part of the world (Kerala, India). Its known as "Ammikkallu" in the native toungue and is made out of high quality granite.It does not have legs, instead is seated on a rather high platform or seating just outside the kitchen.
In a place like Kerala, where a lot of spices are an integral part of the cuisine, Ammikalu is an extremely common household equipment. No amount of modern technology has or can replace the exquisite flavour that this stone adds to your food.
Well its not a very pricey equipment. You can purchase one for around $60.
The more used the equipment is, the more better it is. Infact the stone pieces become so smooth due to continuos use that it starts resembling a polished tile. You will then have to get it chistled to recreate its rough texture so that its grinding function is restored.
And believe me. you don't have to do that frequently. Just once in 5 years or so if you use the equipment to its extreme.
Response from:
Karen
(04/29/06 2:57pm)
Stef, I don't think they sell them anymore. Do let me ask my informants though.
Hi dileepkv! Ah, makes sense! Mexico and India have many culinary similarities. Have you read Rachel Laudan's article on that? I'll try to feature it one of these days.
With your very descriptive comment, you're making my mouth water, hehehe! Thanks for leaving a note! Hope to hear more from you. :)
Hi dileepkv! Ah, makes sense! Mexico and India have many culinary similarities. Have you read Rachel Laudan's article on that? I'll try to feature it one of these days.
With your very descriptive comment, you're making my mouth water, hehehe! Thanks for leaving a note! Hope to hear more from you. :)
Response from:
Nerissa
(04/30/10 2:56pm)
I am looking for an authentic Matate y Mano tool to make cocoa from scratch... can you help me find one for a reasonable price?
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