Published by: Gourmet Sleuth Last Updated: 08/21/2013
Guacamole dates back to the Aztecs - The Aztecs referred to guacamole as ahuaca-mulli which translates roughly to avocado sauce or avocado mixture. This concoction was very similar to what you might fix now in your own kitchens today. Avocados, the main ingredient in guacamole are a New World food that became quite popular with the Spaniards. It is said the Spaniards liked their avocados three ways, with salt, with sugar or both. Although actual guacamole recipes were not well preserved the Spaniards documented their likes for the avocado fruit.
The Aztecs believed the avocado to be an aphrodisiac. Read more about this topic on our Aphrodisiacs Foods page. Clearly this had something to do with the popularity of the food with the Spaniards.
Another reason for the popularity of the fruit was the fact that the avocado has the highest fat content of any fruit. The Aztecs had a very low fat diet compared with today's standards. You can understand how a fruit that contained life sustaining fats and protein could become so highly regarded.
Most of the refrigerated guacamole products on the market are really classified as "dips" rather than true guacamole. The difference being additions of mayonnaise, sour cream and other non-traditional ingredients including a bevy of preservatives and food additives.
This product is as close to an acceptable fresh guacamole as we have found. The avocado is mashed and chunky, not pureed and there are only a few additives of jalapenos, vinegar, onion, salt and granulated garlic.
Fresh is best but this is not bad if you need guacamole fast and you can't find any ripe avocados.
The molcajete is the traditional Mexican mortar and pestle used for making guacamole and salsa. (read more about the molcajete inculding the history and uses of this grinding tool). Still hand made in Mexico today from lava (basalt) stone. A mixture of chiles, onion and salt is placed in the molcajete and ground to a paste then avocados are blending in (but not made smooth). Guacamole should be served right in the molcajete.
molcajete y tejolote lava stone 8"