It may be one of the world's most straightforward and documented tools, but a mortar and pestle duo is often neglected when it comes to kitchen necessities.
"Using a mortar and pestle to grind fresh herbs and spices elevates cooking by unlocking the full depth that dried seasonings don't quite reach," explains Tal Baum, owner of Atrium and Bellina Alimentari at Atlanta's famed Ponce City Market. "The manual grinding process bruises the herbs rather than cuts, releasing subtle layers of flavor and adding more complexity to dishes."
"It also allows for more autonomy and control over your texture, whether you like it coarse or fine," she adds.
Larger iterations of the instrument, which date back as far as 60,000 years, can also be used to make common sauces and dips, such as hummus, guacamole and salsa.