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RootWorks - Large Flat Cut Root Bowl (11-16" diameter, horizontal grain direction)

RootWorks bowls are carved from a species of Chinese fir called Shan Mu, which grows abundantly in the mountains of Central China. Shan Mu lumber is used for a wide variety of products in China including construction, crates, and furniture. RootWorks raw materials come from stumpage left by logging operations, the removal of which allows for faster Shan Mu reforestation. Each gnarled stump is then transformed by skilled carvers into the gorgeous and unique RootWorks products we proudly import.

The laquer finish which protects and magnifies the natural beauty of RootWorks products is safe for food contact, although we do not recommend RootWorks for hot food service. Due to the natural fissures and knotholes possible in each piece, as seen in nature, the bowls or platters are not guaranteed to be water tight.

RootWorks products should occasionally be treated with a light wax or oil product to help protect and brighten their luster. In dry climates some RootWorks items may develop cheks or cracks over their lifetime, which is a natural occurrence in products carved from single pieces of raw wood.

Enrico Ratti - The Inspiration Behind Enrico Products
Just before the turn of the century, Enrico Ratti worked as a carpenter for a wealthy family near Castagnetto, Italy, and fell in love with their daughter, Luisa. The family would not give their blessing for Luisa to wed the orphan Enrico, so they eloped to America, bringing with them their love of the dishes of the Italian countryside. Alas, America lacked the tools of a traditional Italian kitchen, so Enrico fashioned by hand the predecessor of today's Enrico Grater for the rich hard cheeses they so cherished. Many of Enrico's original graters are still used by the Ratti family today.

Jim Ratti, the founder of Enrico Products and an accomplished woodworker himself, used one of his grandfather's graters as a model to create the modern version of the Enrico Cheese Grater that you see today. It has the same features as the Enrico original, plus a few new ones. The company now uses bamboo - a modern, environmentally friendly material that simultaneously maintains the look and feel of its old-world counterpart, yet is sturdy enough for use by the gourmet cook. The grater also features a stainless steel grating surface that will stand up to years of use.

Jim has continued the legacy of his grandfather by drawing on his Italian roots to develop new products that have the same beauty and usefulness as Enrico's works from the past. Now you too can enjoy the simple beauty and practicality of Enrico's century-old design along with the other kitchen products in the Enrico Collection.