Unique Volcanic Basalt Stone Molcajete, "Serving Up Tradition"

This substantial mortar and pestle is crafted from volcanic basalt by the artisans of the Comonfort Group in Mexico. Use it for salsa or guacamole, or simply as an eye-catching decorative accent. It is styled like a traditional molcajete, a stone vessel that has been used since ancient times for grinding or crushing spices and other ingredients.

The artisans recommend that the bowl be "cured" before using with food. To cure the bowl, place some dried beans, corn or rice in the bowl and grind with the pestle until pulverized. Allow the pulverized grain to sit for 15 minutes. Once this has been done, the bowl can be hand washed and allowed to dry. This step will ensure that any stone dust remaining from the carving process does not affect the food.