Until 1990, the majority of the population worked on the harvest of coffee, but today mining and the Chiapan amber trade are the most important economic activities.[citation needed]
It is also known for its gastronomic traditions inherited from their ancient Mayan ancestors,[citation needed] and for cooking 'zats', a tree worm that grows in 'caulote' trees typical of the region (known there as 'tapaculo'), as well as the 'yervamora', a seasonal vegetable, a chili variety 'simojovel' native to the town region, and the 'suy' prepared food.[citation needed]
Native inhabitants of Simojovel do not allow tourists or foreign visitors interviews, as a measure to protect their patrimony and non-ethical profit.[citation needed]
^"Simojovel". Enciclopedia de los Municipios de México. Instituto Nacional para el Federalismo y el Desarrollo Municipal Gobierno del Estado de Chiapas. Retrieved August 1, 2008.