I think I was about 5 when I learned to use a mortar and pestle. We lived in the Caribbean, Central and South America where these are used frequently so it’s like another member of the family for me.
I could not live without mine. Just for garlic alone its worth having one. Some people prefer blenders but really are you going to break out the blender everyday when you are preparing meals? Not just that but most blenders usually require liquid to blend, so automatically you are diluting and breaking down the nutritional value of what you blend.
We use our mortar and pestle several times a week for a variety of reasons. But we most often use it to mash up fresh Organic garlic, lemon grass, black lava salt and olive oil for our food. Then I just place the mashed contents on top of our food and oh does it give everything a terrific taste. Not only is garlic good for you because of its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties but by mashing it without cooking you are getting all of the benefits that garlic has to offer.
I use a granite Mortar and Pestle from Thailand that is a beauty to display and works fantastically.
Import Foods has the one I purchased and they are highly rated and used by Chefs and restaurants all over the world.