The wood for this English Walnut Root Burl Bowl was from a Brentwood California tree taken down in August 2006. The tree owner said a squirrel planted a nut in his yard many years ago. As the tree grew his children built tree houses in it. The kids are gone now and the tree was encroaching on the house too much and had to be removed. Several hours of digging and winching and a 500 pound root was pulled from the ground. The bowl has several scars from being in the dirt for many years. These scars have been filled with epoxy and gold glitter for contrast with the dark wood color. It can be used for serving salads, crackers, chips, and other such items. The bowl is finished with a clear, food safe salad bowl finish which also enhances the color of the wood and should last for many, many year. Clean the bowl after each use with warm water and mild detergent. Wipe dry immediately.