This small suribachi is a Japanese mortar and pestle thats great for grinding seeds and spices. Unlike other mortars, the stoneware bowl has tiny grooves on the inside that help to pulverise your ingredients.

As is traditional in Japan, the pestle – known as asurikogi – is made from smooth, lightweight wood that wont wear away the grooves of the suribachi.

The suribachi is particularly good for releasing the natural oils and flavours of seeds and herbs. Here are some other ways you can use it:

• Crushing whole spices, nuts and seeds

• Pounding delicate herbs for pesto or chimichurri

• Making guacamole, aioli and other smooth dips

• For curry pastes and marinades

• To crush garlic and chillies for stir-fries and dipping sauces

• For homemade spice blends and rubs

This Japanese mortar and pestle is a unique birthday or housewarming gift for keen cooks. Once you try it, you will find a hundred different uses for it in your kitchen.

It is not microwave-safe and is not dishwasher-safe. For best results, we recommend hand washing only and drying thoroughly after each use to maintain its appearance and longevity.