Tejocotes Mexicanos Vallemex, Fruta Tracional Mexicana, 908g

Tejocotes, discover One of the Best-Kept Secrets of Mexican Cuisine

Vallemex Tejocotes are small traditional Mexican fruits that, at first glance, resemble miniature apples. Scientifically known as Crataegus mexicana, they belong to the hawthorn family and are recognised by their yellow-orange skin, delicate aroma and distinctive flavour, combining gentle sweetness with a pleasantly tart finish.

Far more than simply a fruit, Tejocotes are deeply rooted in Mexican culture and culinary traditions. They have been enjoyed for centuries and play a starring role during the Christmas season as the essential ingredient in the famous Ponche Navideño, the traditional hot fruit punch served at family gatherings, Posadas and Christmas celebrations throughout Mexico.

Carefully selected and packed to preserve their flavour and quality, Vallemex Tejocotes can be used in a wide variety of sweet and savoury recipes, including preserves, desserts, syrups, sauces and traditional Mexican beverages.

If you're looking to buy authentic Mexican Tejocotes online in Portugal, this unique ingredient is a wonderful way to discover new flavours and experience genuine Mexican culinary traditions.

Explore our range of Authentic Mexican Food Products and discover traditional ingredients that pair perfectly with Vallemex Squash Blossoms, Whole Poblano Peppers and many other authentic flavours from Mexico.

Why Choose Vallemex Tejocotes?

Tejocotes are one of the most iconic fruits in Mexican cuisine and continue to hold a special place in kitchens and family celebrations across the country.

Their firm texture, delicate aroma and gently sweet yet slightly tart flavour make them incredibly versatile, allowing you to prepare everything from festive drinks to traditional desserts and regional recipes.

With Vallemex Tejocotes, you can enjoy this authentic Mexican ingredient all year round and recreate some of the country's most beloved traditional dishes.

Benefits

• Authentic Mexican Tejocotes
• Essential ingredient for traditional Ponche Navideño
• Delicately sweet and slightly tart flavour
• Ideal for beverages, desserts and traditional recipes
• Perfect for jams and preserves
• Ready to use
• Imported from Mexico
• Convenient pack size
• Professional quality

Serving Suggestions

Tejocotes are a surprisingly versatile ingredient. Although they are best known for their role in the traditional Ponche Navideño, they are also used in desserts, preserves and a variety of recipes that benefit from their delicately sweet and slightly tart flavour.

Traditional Mexican Drinks

Tejocotes are essential for preparing:

• Ponche Navideño
• Fruit punches
• Hot winter drinks
• Aromatic fruit and spice infusions

Desserts & Preserves

Once cooked, they develop a soft texture and rich flavour, making them perfect for:

• Homemade jams
• Fruit preserves
• Syrups
• Traditional Mexican sweets
• Fruit desserts

Baking & Creative Recipes

Try using them in:

• Sweet pies and pastries
• Cake fillings
• Crumbles and baked desserts
• Cheese boards, served alongside mature or goat's cheese

Traditional Mexican Recipes

In some regions of Mexico, Tejocotes are also used in:

• Traditional sauces
• Festive stews
• Sweet and savoury recipes
• Regional dishes prepared for family celebrations

Traditional Recipe – Mexican Ponche Navideño

Ponche Navideño is one of Mexico's most cherished Christmas traditions. Slowly simmered with fresh fruit, spices and Tejocotes, this comforting hot punch is served during Posadas and family gatherings throughout the festive season. More than just a drink, it is a symbol of sharing, hospitality and togetherness.

Tejocotes are considered the defining ingredient of this traditional recipe, giving authentic Mexican Christmas punch its unmistakable flavour.

Ingredients

• 200g Vallemex Tejocotes
• 2 litres of water
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 whole cloves
• 2 apples, diced
• 2 pears, diced
• 150g dried prunes
• 100g raisins
• 1 piece of sugar cane (optional)
• 150g dark brown sugar or piloncillo (if available)
• 1 orange, sliced
• Dried hibiscus flowers (optional)

Method

1. Pour the water into a large saucepan and bring it to the boil.
2. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves and brown sugar (or piloncillo).
3. Stir in the Tejocotes and simmer for around 20 minutes.
4. Add the apples, pears, prunes, raisins, orange and, if using, the sugar cane and dried hibiscus flowers.
5. Continue simmering gently for another 30 minutes, allowing all the flavours to blend together.
6. Serve piping hot, making sure to include some of the cooked fruit in each mug.

The Result

The result is a wonderfully aromatic, warming and comforting drink where cinnamon, fruit and Tejocotes create the perfect balance between sweetness and gentle acidity. More than simply a recipe, Ponche Navideño is a treasured Christmas tradition that brings Mexican families together and represents one of the country's most beloved festive flavours.

Try this recipe and discover many more. Visit our Mexican Recipes section for inspiration on cooking with authentic Mexican ingredients and bringing exciting new flavours to your table.

The Taste of a Mexican Christmas

For many Mexicans, the aroma of Ponche Navideño is inseparable from childhood memories and family celebrations. During November and December, markets across Mexico fill with Tejocotes, displayed alongside cinnamon sticks, sugar cane and the other fruits traditionally used to prepare this festive drink.

After enjoying the punch, it is equally traditional to eat the cooked fruit, with Tejocotes being one of the most anticipated and enjoyed parts of the recipe.

Although they are especially famous during Christmas, Tejocotes are enjoyed throughout the year in preserves, syrups, desserts and regional dishes, preserving a culinary tradition that has been passed down for generations.

By choosing Vallemex Tejocotes, you're discovering one of Mexico's most iconic fruits and bringing a little of that rich culinary heritage to your own kitchen.

Storage & Trust

• Store in a cool, dry place.
• Refrigerate after opening.
• Transfer any unused contents to a suitable container.
• Consume within the recommended period after opening.
• Carefully selected to preserve flavour, texture and authenticity.
• Imported from Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Tejocotes?

Tejocotes are small traditional Mexican fruits belonging to the hawthorn family. They resemble miniature apples and have been used for centuries in Mexican cuisine, particularly in festive drinks, desserts and regional recipes.

What fruit do Tejocotes resemble?

Their appearance is similar to small crab apples, while their flavour combines gentle sweetness with a pleasant tartness and a delicate aroma reminiscent of apples and pears.

Can Tejocotes be eaten straight from the pack?

Yes. They can be enjoyed as they are, although they are traditionally cooked in fruit punches, jams, desserts and many other Mexican recipes.

Why are Tejocotes so important at Christmas in Mexico?

Tejocotes are the essential ingredient in Ponche Navideño, the traditional Christmas fruit punch served during Posadas and festive family celebrations. For many Mexican families, they are closely associated with Christmas memories and traditions passed down through generations.

Are the Tejocote stones edible?

No. The stones should be removed before eating the fruit, especially after it has been cooked.

Can I freeze Tejocotes after opening?

Yes. Once transferred to a suitable airtight container, they can be frozen for future use while maintaining their quality.

Where can I buy Mexican Tejocotes online in Portugal?

You can buy Vallemex Tejocotes online from By Lau Pereira, your specialist in Authentic Mexican Food Products, including traditional ingredients, tortillas, sauces, chillies, beverages and regional Mexican specialities.