Join us at Feria del Mole, a unique food festival in Mexico City that celebrates the diverse and rich flavors of mole. While indulging in delicious mole dishes, take a moment to explore the calming world of aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy offers a holistic approach to wellness, utilizing essential oils to enhance physical and emotional health. At Feria del Mole, you can experience various aromatherapy stations where you can learn about the benefits of different essential oils and how they can complement your culinary journey.
Whether you're seeking relaxation, energy, or balance, our aromatherapy experts will guide you through the selection of scents that may enhance your festival experience. Discover how the right aromas can elevate your mood and create a harmonious atmosphere as you enjoy the festival's vibrant offerings.
Don't miss the opportunity to combine the flavors of mole with the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy at this exciting event. Explore our tasting maps and vendor credits to fully immerse yourself in the culinary delights while nurturing your well-being.
Aroma, Spice and the Science of Tasting Mole
Much of what we call flavour actually reaches us through the nose. When you taste a spoonful of mole, the sweetness, bitterness and heat register on the tongue, but the deeper character of the sauce, the toasted chilli, the warm cinnamon, the smoky edge of charred tortilla or the roasted note of sesame, is carried by aroma. That is why paying attention to scent can change how you experience a festival devoted to this dish.
The aromatic building blocks of mole
Traditional moles combine dozens of ingredients, and many of them are prized as much for their fragrance as for their taste. Common examples include:
- Dried chillies such as ancho, mulato, pasilla and chipotle, which bring fruity, earthy or smoky aromas once toasted.
- Warm spices like cinnamon, clove, cumin, allspice and black pepper.
- Herbs such as Mexican oregano, thyme, marjoram and, in some regional styles, hoja santa or avocado leaf with its gentle anise note.
- Toasted seeds and nuts, including sesame, pumpkin seeds, almonds and peanuts.
- Chocolate, used in some moles for depth and a subtle bitterness.
Toasting and frying these ingredients releases volatile compounds, which is why the air around mole stalls is so distinctive.
Making the most of scent while you taste
Try smelling a mole before you taste it, then again after the first bite. Compare a dark mole with a green or red one and notice how the herbal, nutty or smoky notes differ. Sipping water between samples and pausing to breathe in fresh air helps keep your senses from becoming overwhelmed. Our tasting map can help you plan a route that moves from lighter to richer styles.
A note on essential oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated and should never be eaten or added to food unless they are specifically labelled as food grade and used in tiny amounts. People who are pregnant, have asthma, allergies or sensitive skin, or who are caring for young children or pets, should speak to a health professional before using them. Aromatherapy may support relaxation, but it is not a substitute for medical care.
If the aromas inspire you to cook, our recipes page is a good place to start bringing those scents into your own kitchen.
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