New Mortar and Pestle usage questions?

[food_eater79]

Just got a 15 pound granite 3 cup m&p. Do I wash it with soap before using it? I have read you need to "season" it like a cast iron pan. How do I do that?

[food_eater79]

Thank you both. I have read some more on it and I think I'm good to go!

[iyc_nyc]

I have a granite m/p from the place I link to below, which has helpful usage instructions along with recipes:

http://importfood.com/mortarpestle.html

I roughly followed these guidelines to season mine; it's probably more than necessary, but it also lets you get familiar with the m/p before you use it for real cooking:

http://eatbufordhighway.com/cooking/t...

Have fun with it!

[Chemicalkinetics]

I have a granite mortar and pestle. I did use soap to clean the first time, but I understand that people are concern about cleaning it with soap/detergent regularly due to flavor residue. Some mortar and pestle require more seasoning than others. For example, Molcajete requires extensive seasoning, while glass mortar does not. Usually, for a granite mortar and pestle, grinding white rice should be sufficient.

I am not an expert in mortar and pestle, so I am offering my amateur understanding. Best of luck.