The rough surface of the stone creates a superb grinding surface that maintains itself over time as tiny bubbles in the stone are ground down, replenishing the textured surface. As the porous stone is impossible to fully clean, molcajetes are known to "season" (much like cast iron skillets), carrying over flavours from one preparation to another. Salsas and guacamole prepared in molcajetes are known to have a distinctive texture, and some also carry a subtle difference in flavour, from those prepared in blenders. Made in Mexico.