is there some kind of varnish on the pestle. I understand the interior of the mortar is unfinished and matte.
183929
Yes, the inside is matte, as is the bottom of the pestle. It appears that the non-working surfaces are highly polished rather than varnished.
183930
There is a varnish on most of the pestle, with the exception of the very end (big, grinding end), which is very rough, similar to the inside of the mortar. It allows the pestle to grind efficiently inside the mortar.
183931
The pestle is marble so it's naturally shiny / polished (no varnish). It's beautiful and well worth the money.
183932
Yes the pestle has the same clear varnish on about 3/4 of it, the bottom rounded tip is unfished so it works nicely when using it in the mortar
183933
I purchased one of these sets; I can't claim to have a definitive answer, but the inside is clearly "raw," that is, not polished. The outside is at least polished, and there could be a sealer on it, such as one you may use on granite counter tops. I'm thinking that the inside is left that way to avoid slippage when you grind herbs. Just an idea...
926525
It's new. Cast iron just has a different look. I LOVE my lodge pot. Makes best braised roasts and long cooking Moroccan dishes.
167125
I've run my fingernail across the interior surface of the mortar and can just barely feel very fine ridges. it is not quite a polished surface but very close.
559934
There must be something wrong with the one you have. I didn't have any varnish smell with mine.
1192759
There is a glaze of sorts, but it's still porous. You need to finish or season the interiour by boiling some rice porridge in it for at least an hour. The starches from the rice will bond with the pores and seal the inside of the pot. After you do that you just rinse and wipe out the excess starch then let it completely dry. Then it will be ready for cooking.
1116791
It is very dark grey, like untreated cast iron (which it is). The inside is a cream enamel.
1587901
Both the mortar and pestle I received have white speckles. It is still mostly black.
1816804
The tag that came attached to the items states "Natural All Maple Muddler", "rub with vegetable oil if needed", and "Made in Maine" but it does not state or imply anything about varnish or finish. But I'm pretty sure it is not finished or varnished based on its appearance and smell. I showed it to a friend and he also said it looks unfinished and varnished. I'm glad I took a chance and bought this item because I too do not want any kind finish or varnish in my food.
78012
As with all natural stone some conditioning or seasoning is necessary to achieve the desired texture or smoothness and functionality. After washing with plain water you must take the pestle with some natural ingredients and grind away. Here are a couple of good links to help you. http://stillwaterwing.wordpress.com/2012/03/10/how-to-season-and-use-a-mortar-and-pestle/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzTxNWw6Dwo
1450887
It is not pre-seasoned, but coated with beeswax or something similar. We etch trophies, so we didn't need to season it, but there is help for that if you search online. Best of luck. Botcha-Caloops
1587902
Both the mortar and pestle are speckled. However, they didn't come from the exacty same stone -- not surprising. And the pestle has a smoother polish on the upper part where you'd grab it. I'd say mine is close enough to a duplicate to say it looks like the picture.
2191777
This is a very sturdy mortar and pestle combo. It has a somewhat coarse finish on the interior surfaces which makes short work of most grinding tasks. To protect the kitchen counter top, I work with it on a good wooden cutting board. Yes, just grab it firmly and tip it over. It's not that heavy and does a great job.
396739
I have one Le Creuset that's about 15 years old. And that one is stained. But my new one seems to have a different finish. So far it has not stained, even with the things I've cooked in it that should have done so. I suspect that they've upgraded or otherwise changed the finish, as it seems to be more slippery for lack of a better word.
1393987
Hi there, as you use this mortar only briefly, and sometime with oils, I recommend a quick handwash with some dishwashing liquid. It's a beautiful piece!
150084
Hi, George. I own this great item but I'm curious why you think you need an extra pestle. Instead of buying two, you COULD cover this one like I do with a plastic bag to keep it from staining or transferring foods one to another. That makes for easy cleaning. If you just insist on having TWO, then I would check a local thrift store or flea market as the metal bottom and rack wear out long before the wood pestle does. I hope I've provided some solutions for you since I don't think Amazon will split up a set to sell you a pestle. Also, check Ebay. Just a thought. Good luck. PS: type this number into Ebay. It's a kitchenwares sales place that has the pestle you seek for $10.
556410
Neither the inside of the mortar nor the grinding end of the pestle have shiny, glazed finshes. I would describe it as flat as opposed to satin paint. Having crushed pills for my Mother for 5 years, I would not been concerned about losing content.
150085
Hi, George. I own this great item but I'm curious why you think you need an extra pestle. Instead of buying two, you COULD cover this one like I do with a plastic bag to keep it from staining or transferring foods one to another. That makes for easy cleaning. If you just insist on having TWO, then I would check a local thrift store or flea market as the metal bottom and rack wear out long before the wood pestle does. I hope I've provided some solutions for you since I don't think Amazon will split up a set to sell you a pestle. Also, check Ebay. Just a thought. Good luck. PS: type this number into Ebay. It's a kitchenwares sales place that has the pestle you seek for $10. Hi, George. I own this great item but I'm curious why you think you need an extra pestle. Instead of buying two, you COULD cover this one like I do with a plastic bag to keep it from staining or transferring foods one to another. That makes for easy cleaning. If you just insist on having TWO, then I would check a local thrift store or flea market as the metal bottom and rack wear out long before the wood pestle does. I hope I've provided some solutions for you since I don't think Amazon will split up a set to sell you a pestle. Also, check Ebay. Just a thought. Good luck. PS: type this... » Read More Hi, George. I own this great item but I'm curious why you think you need an extra pestle. Instead of buying two, you COULD cover this one like I do with a plastic bag to keep it from staining or transferring foods one to another. That makes for easy cleaning. If you just insist on having TWO, then I would check a local thrift store or flea market as the metal bottom and rack wear out long before the wood pestle does. I hope I've provided some solutions for you since I don't think Amazon will split up a set to sell you a pestle. Also, check Ebay. Just a thought. Good luck. PS: type this number into Ebay. It's a kitchenwares sales place that has the pestle you seek for $10. « Show Less