Mortar and pestle advocates' culinary finesse

Even though technology has completely revolutionized the way we live, work and function, there are some things that remain unchanged. They continue to be as they were hundreds of years ago. A mortar and pestle is one of them. It is possibly the most ancient kitchen tool known to man. It's a tool used to grind, crush and mix spices, herbs, food and medicines. The mortar is a bowl made of hardwood, marble, clay, stone or granite. The pestle is a short club or bat like thick stick that is used to press or pound things in the mortar.

What is the place of the mortar and pestle in history?

These were actually the first tools employed to make medicines. The earliest record of usage dates back to 1550 B.C. in the Ebers Papyrus. The Egyptians and Persians both used them for culinary and medicinal purposes. Olden Roman and Greek mortars were crafted out of stone and marble and were shallow and bowl-like, not deep and cup-like. Around the fourteenth century, bronze came to be used for making this. By the sixteenth century, the art was redefined and mortars were embellished with handles or knobs. Some even had spouts for easy pouring. During the renaissance period, artisans all over Europe produced this of different shapes, sizes, and designs from both bronze and wood. But bronze had a problem; with constant use its surface turns a dark brownish green. Around 1780, mortars and pestles made of biscuit porcelain were introduced. This material is acid resistant and can be cleaned easily affected by acids and is easily cleaned. This remains a popular kind even today. Today these are available in a variety of materials at online stores like vitalwares.ca like marble, granite, bronze, iron, or brass.

Why is the mortar and pestle so popular?

A lot of people prefer grinding in the mortar and pestle instead of a food processor as this process releases the natural flavors of the spices, herbs etc more effectively. The food prepared is thus much tastier and aromatic. For people who enjoy the whole process of cooking which includes the preparation, it is the ideal tool to have in the kitchen. A lot of people just like to own and use one as a tribute to the olden way.

What are the different versions of the mortars and pestle?

These tools have been around since prehistoric times and over the centuries it has taken many forms. Here is a look at some of them.

• Molcajete or the Mexican:

  This version is commonly made of volcanic rock called basalt and both pieces can either have a very rough texture or a very smooth texture. The best quality molcajetes are made from basalt with the least sand content. It is used in the traditional manner for grinding spices and herbs and other mixtures.

• Thai:

  The Thai Pestle and Mortar has been in use for centuries. This is a very functional tool. It has a smooth non porous interior that offers a great grinding surface. It is also very easy to clean. It's quite heavy thus guaranteeing stability. The only thing you have to be careful about is to put it on a sturdy work surface that will take its weight along with the pressure of the pounding.

• Suribachi or Japanese:

  The Japanese version consists of an earthenware bowl which is glazed on the outside. There is a ridged pattern on the inside of the bowl to help the grinding process. The Suribachi has a wooden pestle called surikogi which makes sure that the ridges in the mortar are not damaged. In Japanese cuisine, the Pestle and Mortar is commonly used to crush sesame seed as well as to make various pastes.

• Indonesian:

  This is quite similar in concept to the Indonesian stone mortar and pestle, but its appearance is very unique. Unlike other versions, this has a very shallow mortar called the cobek which is only about 1-2 inches deep. It has an unusual right angled pestle called ulekulek that is moved back and forth while grinding. This is ideal for grinding ingredients into a paste.

• Indian or silbatta:

  The silbatta is a common tool found in a lot of Indian kitchens. The sil is a large, flat stone bed with ridged and the heavy stone batta is rolled back and forth over the material to be ground. This is ideal for making spice pastes and wet-grinding different spices into blends called masalas. Also a cup-shaped brass or a stone himandasta is also widely used in Indian homes .

• Marble:

  Marble, according to a lot of people is the best choice. Marble does not absorb food odor, even from strong food like garlic. It is also very hard and provides an excellent grinding surface. It is very easy to clean and requires no special maintenance. Choose one when you visit vitalwares.ca.

• Wood:

  This is a little less versatile than marble or stone. It is perfect for grinding seeds, grains, or rock salt. Foods with any sort of moisture should not be ground in a wooden mortar as this will spoil the wood in the long run.

• Ceramic:

  It is a brilliant choice. It does not stain and does not retain any food smells. It is also doesn't get damaged with acidic food. Looking for one? Look no further than vital wares.

How do I use my mortar and pestle in an appropriate manner?

Choose the right kind

It come as a coordinated set and is usually made of wood, marble, stone or hard clay. Try and buy a set that is dishwasher safe, easy to clean, moderately heavy and if possible break proof. These are easily available online at a store like vital wares.

Use the right method

The first step is to place the substance that needs to be ground inside the mortar. Press the pestle on top of this substance and apply adequate pressure, then start grinding in a circular motion. This presses the substance against the bowl's surface and crushes it. Grind to your preferred consistency.

Clean the right way

The way you clean your mortar and pestle depends to a large extent on the material out of which it is made. For non dishwasher safe sets like wooden ones, cleaning with warm water and dish soap is the right method.

Do I use a specific type of mortar and pestle for specific ingredients?

At vital wares, these tools come in many shapes, sizes and designs for different purposes. A large, wide porcelain bowl type is perfect for making mayonnaise or large portions of pesto, but not really suitable for grinding seeds.

Porcelain, marble, glass, or pottery mortars are great for pounding fresh herbs or for making sauces containing oil.

Larger, flat-bowled mortars are ideal for making spice pastes, especially for ingredients like fresh chilies, herbs, garlic or onion.

A deep cup-shaped mortar is perfect for grinding seeds. Bowl shaped mortars allow seeds to fall out of the bowl .

Wood mortars and pestles absorb and retain food flavors, so they tend to be less versatile. Unless the wood is really hard, it does not even offer a suitable amount of friction .

Metal can impart metallic flavors to the food so they are not the ideal material for frequent use. These are suitable for strictly decorative purposes.

Heavy stone or granite, especially with ridged or pitted bowls, are perfect for crushing fresh spices or herbs like chilies, gingerroot and lemongrass. The textured surface grips the material that is being ground and keeps it from flying all over the place.

What are the advantages of using a mortar and pestle?

• Ingredients are fresher and more aromatic when ground in a mortar and pestle. Food cooked using these ingredients have a richer flavor.
• They are not prone to breakage and malfunctioning like an electric food processor.
• They can last you a lifetime as against a processor that has a finite lifespan.
• They cost much less than a food processor.
• They add a charming touch in the kitchen and look great.
• It's a perfect gift for anyone who loves all aspects of cooking.

What are the things to know and do when buying a mortar and pestle?

1. Read about the history and proper usage of. What you always thought was a kitchen tool was actually used a lot by pharmacists to prepare medicines.
2. Familiarize yourself with the different types that are available at vital wares. Then decide which one works best for you and your kitchen depending on what you cook and what you need to grind. The best choices these days are clearly marble and granite. Both are non porous and this keeps them clean and hygienic.
3. Check out online stores like vital wares for the set which you think is right for you. The variety and range available at vital wares is much vast and varied and you can check out different brands and compare prices and quality.
4. It is a very useful addition to your kitchen if you have a penchant for authentic cooking. This basic tool has been used by people all over the world in their own way to cook some of the most exotic culinary delights. Bring one into your kitchen and experience a whole new way to prepare food but with an olden touch.