Yes, we do ship internationally! We're excited to offer our products to customers around the world. However, due to varying shipping costs and regulations for different countries, we kindly ask you to contact us for a shipping quote before placing your order. This way, we can provide you with an accurate shipping cost based on your location and the items you wish to purchase.
Do you ship internationally?
Why clay cookware over cast iron?
Clay or barro is better for cooking acidic ingredients like tomatoes, tomatillos, onions. Cast iron is an excellent conductor of heat - it is cheap, lasts a very long time (with proper care), and makes excellent tortillas... it can also make an excellent salsa taste like iron. The acidic flavors can ruin an otherwise perfectly balanced salsa or mole.
Clay is simply a better conductor of heat. The small pores in the natural material make a better insulator and do not interact with the acid in the vegetables. When cooking tortillas, a comal allows for the most control and is the ancestral way to process quality ingredients.
What to do if my comal cracks?
Clay cracks - it happens! Try to avoid rapid fluctuations in heat. Be patient and allow the comal to fully cool before storing.
If your comal cracks with normal use, seal it with a lightly whisked egg white. Heat the pieces together over medium heat until they are well sealed - like glue. Voila!
Does my comal contain lead?
No, there’s no glaze.
What is cal?
Cal, or slacked lime, is used to seal a comal. It allows the surface to be less porous, preventing the tortilla from sticking to the surface of the comal while cooking. It needs to be applied often and removed if the painted layers become too thick.
Cal is also used in nixtamal, the ancient technique used to process maiz into tortillas.
Learn how to seal your comal here.
What is Poctli's return policy?
We aren't currently able to accept returns, except for damaged items. If there is damage, please contact us within 2 business days of receiving your order with your name, order number and photos of the damage—we’ll straighten this out right away.
Clay comales are traditional cooking vessels used in Mexico to make tortillas and roast ingredients. They are typically made of clay or earthenware and are shaped like a shallow plate with a slightly raised edge.
The use of clay comales for cooking dates back to pre-Hispanic times in Mexico, and they continue to be an important part of Mexican cuisine today. In addition to tortillas, comales are also used to cook other flatbreads like tlacoyos, sopes, and gorditas. The use of comales imparts a unique flavor and texture to the flatbreads, and the even heat distribution helps to ensure that they are cooked evenly.
In addition to their functional uses, comales also have cultural significance in Mexico. They are often decorated with intricate designs and are used as serving dishes for food during special occasions and celebrations. Some comales are even considered works of art and are highly valued by collectors.