The Bembo Genoese Mortar. The Original.

The 20 cm Bembo white Carrara marble mortar and pestle is the most popular model in the collection, ideal for preparing authentic Pesto alla Genovese with a mortar and pestle according to tradition. Its generous dimensions and substantial weight provide excellent stability during use, with enough capacity to prepare pesto, sauces and seasonings for 5–6 people.

Crafted according to the traditional Genoese design, it combines prestigious white Carrara marble with a beechwood pestle, two materials deeply connected with the Italian mortar-making tradition.

Carrara Marble Mortar and Pestle for Pesto

The perfectly smooth interior surface allows ingredients to be worked without absorbing aromas or moisture. The beechwood pestle is ideal for crushing basil, garlic, pine nuts and cheese using the traditional movements required for preparing pesto.

Natural marble also gives the mortar substantial weight and stability, particularly important during vigorous and prolonged use.

Why Make Pesto with a Mortar and Pestle?

A mortar and pestle for pesto allows ingredients to be worked without electric blades, avoiding the heat generated by high-speed mechanical processing and helping to preserve their aromas, textures and natural characteristics.

In addition to Pesto alla Genovese, the mortar can be used to prepare walnut sauce, agliata, citrus pesto, chimichurri and many other sauces. It is also ideal for crushing spices, peppercorns, aromatic herbs and nuts.

Bartolomeo Scappi, in his celebrated work Opera dell'arte del cucinare, described the use of a marble mortar and wooden pestle in Renaissance Italian cuisine—a centuries-old tradition that continues to this day.

20 cm Mortar: 5.1 kg (11.2 lb) of Stability and Solidity

Weight is a fundamental element in the stability of a mortar. Weighing approximately 5.1 kg (11.2 lb), the 20 cm Bembo Genoese mortar has a substantial, solid construction that helps keep it firmly in place on the work surface while ingredients are being crushed and ground.

Its substantial construction is not simply a matter of weight: solidity, stability and durability are essential qualities of a traditional kitchen tool designed to provide years of use.

Dimensions and capacity:
Outer diameter 20 cm (7.9 in) · Inner diameter 14 cm (5.5 in) · Height 11 cm (4.3 in)
Width from ear to ear 26 cm (10.2 in) · Capacity 0.85 L · Weight 5.1 kg (11.2 lb)

Its generous dimensions provide plenty of room to work the ingredients comfortably and prepare enough pesto for approximately 5–6 people.

It is an ideal choice for families, cooking enthusiasts and anyone who wants to prepare pesto regularly using the traditional method.

Every Mortar Is Unique

Every Bembo mortar is made from natural marble. Veining, shades and small details may therefore vary from one piece to another: these natural characteristics of the stone make every mortar unique.

Carefully finished and supplied with its beechwood pestle, it is presented in elegant packaging and also makes a refined gift for enthusiasts of Italian cuisine and culinary tradition.

The Bembo Genoese Mortar. The Original.