Mortars and pestles have been around for thousands of years ¿ long before kitchens existed they were already a classic utensil ¿ they do the job of crushing, grinding and powdering herbs, grains, spices, nuts, roots, teas ¿ all kinds of healthy eats. This style of grinding releases flavor best in seeds, herbs, spices and garlic. Mortars and pestles are handy for crushing pills and supplements, too. This octagonal-shaped mortar and pestle has a contoured bottoms & pestle head to hold the grindables in place. Porcelain is easy to clean, dishwasher safe and won"t absorb food odors or stain.