CHOICE Mortar and Pestle

Hand wash with warm water and mild soap, then dry immediately with a towel. To keep the wood from drying out, occasionally rub it with a food-safe mineral oil or beeswax to maintain its luster and prevent cracking.

Olive wood is a dense hardwood, which makes it less porous than softer woods. While it may retain a faint aroma of strong spices like garlic or cumin over time, it generally won't transfer flavors between ingredients if cleaned properly after each use.

The 4.5-inch size is ideal for grinding small batches of spices, peppercorns, or single servings of pesto. If you frequently prepare larger quantities of sauces, rubs, or guacamole, the 6-inch size provides the extra surface area needed to work comfortably without spilling.

Yes, olive wood is exceptionally hard and dense, making it well-suited for grinding dried herbs, spices, and nuts. However, it is not intended for crushing extremely hard items like large, dense bones or industrial-grade materials.

No. Because each piece is carved from natural Mediterranean olive wood, the grain patterns, color variations, and exact shape will differ from unit to unit. You should expect your piece to have its own unique character and markings.