Global InformationTequesquite information
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Tequesquite or tequexquite (from Nahuatl tequixquitl) is a natural mineral salt containing compounds of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, and sodium sulphate, used in Mexico since pre-Hispanic times mainly as a food seasoning. It is found naturally in central Mexico particularly in previously lacustrine environments where the mineral salt forms a sedimentary crust.[1][2]
Chemically it is an alkaline rock composed of various minerals, which changes its ratio according to where it is obtained. It consists mainly of sodium bicarbonate and common salt (sodium chloride), but also contains potassium carbonate, sodium sulfate and clay. Its appearance is similar to that of common table salt in coarseness, but with a more greyish color.[citation needed]
It is classified into four types: mousse, confitillo, husk and dust. The first two are obtained from the recession of water, and the latter two as natural efflorescence. The latter contain more dirt, so the other two are preferred.[citation needed]
In industry it is also used with fats - saponified to make soap and prepare canvases.[citation needed]
Some locations in Mexico where it is mined are Lake Texcoco, Tequixquiac and Tequexquinahuac in the state of Mexico, Laguna Tequesquitengo in the state of Morelos, Nopalucan and Tequexquitla, in the state of Tlaxcala , Tequisquiapan, in the state of Querétaro, Tequesquite, in the state of Jalisco, Totolcingo lagoon in the state of Puebla and La Salada, in the state of Zacatecas.[citation needed]
Sometimes it is confused with Potassium nitrate, but its chemical composition is completely different.
- ^ Diana Kennedy. My Mexico: A Culinary Odyssey with Recipes. University of Texas Press, Oct 20, 2013 p. 213
- ^ Eduardo Williams. La sal de la tierra: etnoarqueología de la producción salinera en el occidente de México. El Colegio de Michoacán A.C., Jan 1, 2003