Before I spend roughly 2 万円 on buying one from Amazonjp, I'm hoping someone might know of a national supplier or something cheaper. I'm originally from California, my whole mother's side is Mexican American. I've slowly been learning all sorts of recipes I used to take for granted whenever I would visit my relatives parties or grandparents' house. One thing that always felt "off" was the salsa and in a recent call with my mother she said it's because they always used a molcajete.
I felt like that shouldn't make that much of a difference but I did some research a learned a genuine molcajete can be "seasoned" like cast iron to add deeper flavors and pulverizing chilis instead of slicing them releases more oils and flavors. I have a young son who never got to meet my grandparents (mom's side) but I have her recipes and I really want him to taste them as authentically as possible.
Bonus points is anyone knows how to get chili seeds (poblano/ancho, mirasol/guajillo, jalapeno etc.) I own my own home with a large garden perfect for peppers.
by The_Only_Smart_Alec