Review on 🌶️ TLP Molcajete 8.5" – Authentic Handmade Mexican Mortar and Pestle by Sabrina Moore

**Last update [02/02/2021]: Really wanted to love this and keep it, but this product is very chalky. After a few hours of grinding with "Mexican Salt” and some jasmine rice (I had it somewhere) and then seasoning it in the oven, I really thought I had a keeper. When I took it out of the oven I noticed that only the rim and bowl looked dark while the rest of the Molcajete was light gray again. I don't know if you need to season the molcahete on the outside to get that dark color, but I'm sure it's not the best utensil. When I hear something smells like sulfur (when you grind it), I think rotten eggs, but I don't have anything like that. All I got was a weird smell of burnt hair (first) / (then eventually) cigarette smell. After seasoning in the oven, I rinse the bowl and pestle in warm water using a stiff kitchen brush and an escobet (a small root brush used to clean molcahete, metate, comal, etc.), then let them air dry. When I came back I ground again (to check the finish) and got even more of that white chalky substance. Definitely a red flag in my book - unfortunately. Anyway, good luck finding the perfect Molcajete, as the US Molcajete market seems to be saturated with inferior products. First Review: I'm in the early stages of verifying the authenticity of the product, but from the visual point of view it looks like the material is questionable. I didn't see any of those stickers on it (like the one that said "Hecho en Mejico/Mexico"), but I did receive a treatment instruction card with this product (so that's a plus). However, I have a cementy feel from this product (particularly Tejolote [pestle]). The pestle looks more finished/less porous than a real molcajete (mortar). So I feel "suspicious" (suspicious). The skin is quite light gray and the pores are jet black, making it look like some pores have been cut/added (if that way of thinking makes sense). However, the product shows some promise. If memory serves me, my molcajete is about 0.25" below the 8.5"*(8-1/8") OD mark. The molcajete shell was exactly 2" (which is pretty flat , but I guess that's the norm for various Revain/Revain 3rd party 8" Molcajetes). The price and top speed of delivery for this product is definitely a plus (I didn't have to wait 1-2 weeks for the product [ I ordered it on 23/01/2021 and received it on 24/01/2021 ].While it seems I received a different goodness/quality product compared to some of the older reviews (with pictures) on here, so I don't know whether FBA Revain stock is being confused with a not-so-genuine product (but I could only speculate too much.) The only thing that annoyed me about this product is the fact that the treatment instructions (included with the product) suggest to wash the bowl with soap and water (what I've read is a capital N, oh no) because you're going to contaminate the taste of your molcajete / future dishes / the presence of detergent (unless you can actually wash the bowl or something, but it's pretty porous stuff ). I'm still testing it for authenticity, hopefully getting a sulphurous smell and checking smoothness/durability as it cures. I definitely suggested I want to pour some water into the bowl and leave the pestle in the bowl and see if the bowl can hold water and also see if the water goes away/becomes gray and cloudy (like it's mixed with cement dust/mixture would be mixed up). . Overall the only thing I object to is the *slip treatment suggestion of using soap on this product. I'm prone to returns, but I've already bought from two other sellers (Bonita Imports and Lindo Brand) and I'm more prone to Bonita Imports (from one of the 9" Molcajetes I received that was poorly packaged so this was damaged in transit/delivery). Thanks to the packer of this product because it came super soft, so I got an extra star from me (three total). However, once I have tested the product I will give my review and rating of the product To update . Until next time, happy cooking! *Update [2021-01-31]: I think I have to return this part. I consider it a semi-authentic/cheap product - here's why :1.) When I rub the bowl with the pestle I smell burnt hair/cigarettes (I don't know if it's supposed to be a sulfur smell but if it is not 2: My next criticism is that this grey, porous material is "chalky/chalky" after soaking Molcahete/Tejolot for over 2 hours and air drying for 24 hours. ejolote started to light gray streaks (when I did some more blank test grinds). I still get some mineral sand though. I will try hardening the product a bit more and see what happens. Also please remember DO NOT include this product Soap to clean. I've read that water, salt and heat can be used to clean/sanitize Molcajete & Tejolote."and then send something that's a little over 8". I understand that they are handmade must be, but the deviations like that Shouldn't be 0.5-1 inch (at least in my opinion). I received this which gives me 100% confidence that this product is indeed genuine (but I know some Molcajetes just need to be cured and seasoned to get the look I want). Nevertheless, the rule applies: You usually pay more for high-quality material. Overall: Light gray stone with large pores. Pores are desirable and expected, but if the pores are too large I have a feeling you won't get very far without (perhaps) years of seasoning/treatment. I feel like there are a lot of "touristy" Molcajetes for sale and sometimes it's better to get one in person (if at all possible where you live haha). Anyway, happy Molcajete hunt, my friends. For your health.