Crushing spices in a mortar and pestle releases volatile oils that enrich foods with fresh flavor. Constructed with thick walls and a sturdy base, our generously sized granite mortar and pestle is unfinished on the interior and pestle tip to facilitate crushing peppercorns, cloves and other hard spices, grinding nuts, and mashing fresh herbs for vinaigrettes, salsas or pesto. We love its lovely dark grey color and natural patterning.To season the mortar and pestle before first use, grind a small handful of white rice discard and repeat three times. Add a few garlic cloves, mash then add a teaspoon each of cumin, salt and pepper. Grind together, discard and wash in clean water without soap before air drying.