Mortar for spices: what are and how to choose them?

All kinds of kitchen accessories greatly facilitate the preparation of your favorite dishes. In a modern kitchen, it is impossible to do without a quality and reliable mortar for spices. Such products are made from a variety of materials. How to choose a mortar, we will tell right now.

A quality mortar with pestle for spices is sure to come in handy in any modern kitchen. Mistresses sometimes cook several times a day and almost no meal can do without spices. Many use a mortar daily to grind pepper and other spices. Of course, you can buy ground pepper in the nearest store, but its aroma cannot be compared with freshly ground pepper. Therefore, one who is a true connoisseur of spices, grinds them yourself with a mortar.

Mankind has long used mortars with pestles for the preparation of various powders. Previously, people made special powders that were used as natural body paints. Later they began to use a similar inventory for the manufacture of various medicines. And then they began to use the mortar for making various pasta from nuts, chopping herbs and roots.

Today, almost all over the world they use this kitchen accessory, which is a necessary attribute of any kitchen. Each country has its own characteristics and preferences regarding this product. For example, the Japanese prefer to use wood products, in other Asian countries they prefer granite mortars.

In India, using a mortar, they prepare various seasonings, grinding spices into powder. Mexicans use a mortar to cook rice, corn, or beans. Whatever you say, everyone who loves and knows how to cook needs a mortar.

Thanks to the mortar, you can appreciate the true aroma and taste of all kinds of seasonings. True connoisseurs of spices assure that freshly ground condiments help to reveal the natural taste of products, improve and increase the quality of the finished dish. In addition, thanks to a reliable and convenient product, it will be easy to cook hummus, various nut sauces, powdered sugar and even make almond flour.

Today you can find a mortar, which is made of a variety of materials. It could be porcelain, marble, wood, granite or stone mortar. Each product has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. To make the right choice and purchase a quality product, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the benefits of each material.

Wooden accessories made of wood are in great demand. Our grandmothers used natural wood mortars, and before such an accessory was in every kitchen. Today, various manufacturers produce not just high-quality, but also original, stylish wood products that can serve as decorations for the interior of the kitchen.

First of all, such products attracted by its environmental friendliness, lightness and affordable price. Preference should be given to items that are made from solid wood. Then the accessory will last longer. In addition, note that the most durable are those options in which the fibers are located across.

The main disadvantage of a wooden product is that such a mortar will absorb odors. If you used an accessory, for example, to grind pepper or garlic, then the aroma will be present in other spices. In addition, like any wood product, such a mortar is unstable to moisture.

A mortar with cast iron pestle is another popular and highly sought-after option, which differs in durability and durability. Great for rubbing all kinds of herbs and spices. If we talk about the minuses, then such bowls can become covered with rust.

Ceramic kitchen accessory attracts many not only for its aesthetic lookbut also other benefits. Such a mortar is completely does not absorb odors and it’s easy to care for. Ceramic ware can be safely used both for fragrant spices and for grinding nuts or making powdered sugar. As for the shortcomings, then such a product is easy to break if handled carelessly.

Porcelain is especially appreciated by lovers of natural coffee. In this bowl, you can easily grind coffee beans and various spices. This accessory looks very attractive. Porcelain is moisture resistant, polishes well and is durable with proper use. Using such a mortar, it is worth remembering that porcelain is still fragile material and the product can be easily broken.

A stone product is considered to be one of the most practical, reliable and durable options. Such bowls for grinding spices attracted by its beauty and versatility. Often for the manufacture of this kitchen accessory use granite, onyx or carnelian.

The inside of the products is perfectly flat, so you can grind any spices very high quality. Stone mortars are completely not afraid of moisture and do not absorb odors.

Reliable, durable and practical mortar made of marble, also proved itself only on the positive side. The product is durable and durable. As the material for the manufacture of such products using pink, gray, white or black marble.

The product is excellent fits not only for spices or herbs, but also for nuts. The accessory does not absorb odors at all.

For example, a metal product made of stainless steel attracts many people because the surface of the accessory does not absorb moisture, fats and odors at all. Such a product withstands temperature differences, is durable and practical. In metal models it is easy and convenient to grind even hard nuts.

Also on sale there are brass mortars, but they are more moody in terms of care.

On sale there are models of various shapes. Before making the final choice, you should decide for what purpose you plan to use the product. You will simply grind some of the ingredients, while others will need impact power. That is, you have to grind the product by breaking.

If you need a bowl exclusively for grinding herbs, spices, then it is better to give preference to a product with a flat or semicircular bottom. The base of such bowls, as a rule, is cylindrical in shape.

To grind hard seeds or nuts, you will need to use force and active shock movements. A mortar high and narrow is best suited for this process.

Of course, everyone wants to choose for themselves the option that will prove best during operation. First you need to pay attention to material strength. The walls of the bowl must be thick and hard to withstand even heavy pestle blows with ease. In addition, the ductility of the material is very important. Shocks and friction should not deform the inside of the bowl, otherwise such a product will not last a long time.

It is very important that the material of which the mortar is made did not react chemically with any ingredients. In addition, the bowl should be stable, should not slide on the table.

When choosing a mortar, remember that ceramic products, despite their fragility, allow you to grind seasonings very finely and efficiently. Wooden bowls are stronger, but they absorb odors and are not suitable for making sauces with lemon and garlic. Natural stone mortars occupy a leading position, but on condition that you choose products of really high quality.

The pestle should be easily and conveniently located in the hand. You should not choose options with a short handle, otherwise in the process you will be uncomfortable. The tip of the product should be rounded.

If you use the selected model, following all the rules, then it will undoubtedly last a long time. Before you start preparing a mixture of spices, you should carefully prepare the bowl. It must be cleaned of dust, observing all the recommendations of the manufacturer.

Many complain that the first grinding of spices is heterogeneous and you have to grind everything again. To avoid this problem, remember a simple rule - do not fill the cup more than one third. This rule will help you easily achieve the desired result and grind all the ingredients into a powder of uniform consistency.

When grinding, be sure to hold the bowl with one hand so that it does not slip on the table. Small seeds can be crushed by grinding, and larger seeds should first be broken up into small particles with light impact movements. If you are preparing the spice mix in advance, you should store it in a clean, dry glass container with a sealed lid.

After each use, the bowl must be cleaned without fail. If you grated dry spices, it is enough to clean the inside of the mortar with a dry and clean cloth. If it was spicy herbs or seeds that secrete juice, resins, then the fabric should be slightly moistened first.

If the smell remains, ordinary rice will help to correct the situation. A small amount of rice should be grated in a mortar, then clean it with a clean rag and there will be no smell. Do not wash similar kitchen accessories using chemical detergents.. Besides, Do not use kitchen utensils to grind medicine.

You can learn more about how to make a kitchen mortar with a pestle for grinding spices and seasonings.