The molcajete has been a food prep necessity since the time of the ancient Aztecs. This Casa Maria 8-1/2 inch Natural Stone Molcajete/Mortar and Pestle is perfect for making authentic guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo and mole. It is also great at grinding chiles, grains, nuts, corn, spices and herbs, as well as mixing sauces and pastes for a more flavorful taste.The molcajete/mortar and pestle has a rough stone texture that is ideal for hand grinding and mixing foods to perfection, such as avocado, releasing their natural flavors and aromas superbly for a homemade taste. Over time, the natural stone molcajete develops a beautiful dark patina, and looks and performs better with age. Natural stone molcajetes like this Casa Maria guacamole set are so durable they are often passed down from one generation to the next.