Even today, a wooden mortar and pestle are two of the most sought-after culinary implements for the creation of certain delectable dishes. Many years have passed since their introduction, and in that time they have proven to be an indispensable kitchen tool for grinding and crushing spices.
Can we assume that a wooden pestle and mortar will do the job? There’s no doubt about it; they’re high-quality and well-suited for use throughout the house, especially in the kitchen. The traditional wooden mortar and pestle is often regarded as one of the finest cooking tools available. Certain species are incompatible with various grinders, as is common knowledge. So, the wooden mortar and pestle are essential tools for this job.
Such cooking utensils may withstand extensive use without breaking or showing any signs of wear. If cared for properly, they will last forever. High-quality finishing means nothing but excellence.
What Is A Wooden Mortar And Pestle Used For?
Let me tell you a little narrative of how using a wooden mortar and pestle improved my cooking, and then we can go into the specifics of their many uses.
Grinding spices using a mortar and pestle was never something I was interested in doing back then. Considering that the world has moved on from using antiquated cooking implements in favour of more cutting-edge technology, I saw no reason to invest in one.
I overheard more and more individuals raving about how it had improved their spice-based cooking as time went on. I decided to change my mind and give it a try. Nobody ever said failure was an option.
I needed a mortar and pestle to crush some spices, so I ordered an Olive Wood, Handmade Mortar & Pestle from Amazon. And lo, I was astounded by the fantastic attendance. When spices are not ground to a silky smoothness, they retain their own distinct texture and aroma.
In addition, unlike the grinder or blender, water is not required while using the mortar for the muddling process. The oil found naturally in spices is perfect for this, and keeps them fresh for longer. The truth is, I’ve been using the same wooden mortar for a good long while now. If I hadn’t bought a mortar, my food would have been bland and boring.
First, I’ll give you a brief anecdote of how a wooden mortar and pestle transformed my cooking, and then we’ll get into the nitty-gritty of all the things you can do with them.
There was never a time when I was interested in using a mortar and pestle to grind spices. In my opinion, there is no longer any need to purchase such an item, as the world has progressed past the use of such relics in favour of more modern cooking equipment.
The number of people I overheard talking about how much better their spice-based food was increased significantly. I changed my mind and decided to give it a shot. It has never been implied that failing is a viable alternative.
In search of a mortar and pestle, I went to Amazon and found a beautiful handmade Olive Wood Mortar & Pestle. And, lo, I was stunned by the incredible turnout. Spices keep their individual flavour and texture when not reduced to a fine powder.
When utilising a mortar for the muddling process, water is not necessary, in contrast to when using a grinder or blender. The natural oil included in spices is ideal for this purpose and helps to preserve them for a longer period of time. The truth is that I have used the same wooden mortar for years. My cuisine would have been dull and tasteless if I hadn’t invested in a mortar.
What, exactly, does one do with a wooden pestle and mortar?
It’s best to use a wooden mortar and pestle when crushing and grinding spices. They improve the taste of food by enhancing the flavour of spices in their natural state. However, they serve as a backup for when our primary grinders get worn out or broken.
Also, dry spices are finest ground or crushed with a wooden mortar. It’s best to use dry spices in a wooden mortar, as the moisture might warp the wood. That is to say, the wooden mortar has a propensity to soak up the oil from the spices when they are moist. However, the authentic flavour of spices can only be achieved by grinding dry spices.
The versatility of a mortar and pestle means it may be used for more than just preparing meals in the kitchen. I think you have a good idea of what you may expect to gain by investing in a wooden mortar and pestle.
How Do You Season A Mortar And Pestle?
After investing in a pestle and mortar, the first thing you do is season it. When we say “seasoning,” we don’t mean putting spices in a mortar. Seasoning refers to the process of thoroughly cleaning the mortar before using it.
Some might be confused as to why it is necessary to season a mortar and pestle. The truth is that before even attempting to use a brand new product or object, we always give it a thorough cleaning. To clean something means to free it from dirt and dust.
Similarly, before we start using the mortar and pestle to crush or ground spices, we need to season it. Since the mortar is inevitably going to be a source of dirt and wood shavings, you probably don’t want to see any of those in your spices.
How Do You Clean Your Mortar And Pestle Then?
To begin, wet a rag and run it under water to loosen any dirt or debris that may be stuck to the mortar. It’s best to use your hands to thoroughly scrub the mortar and pestle with water poured in. After a thorough rinsing, remove it.
As a second step, fill the mortar with white rice. The finest method for seasoning mortar is with white rice. It’s an improvement over just using water for a rinse. Put in some rice, around two cups’ worth.
If you added enough rice to it, the grains would scatter. From what I can tell, that’s not something you seek. Don’t go out of your way to buy exotic or fancy rice; regular rice will serve just fine. Since you’re just using it to season the mortar, a low cost will do. Further, you have the option of wetting the mortar before use. It functions whether or not water is present. Go ahead and do business with whoever strikes your fancy.
Third, now you can start the grinding process. You’re going to put in a lot of time and effort to make things work out perfectly. Hold the pestle firmly and rotate it in a circle. By continuing in this manner, the rice will be travelling in a circular motion, cleaning the mortar of any remaining dirt and dust as it goes.
In the fourth step, you remove the mixture. Get some water to clean the mortar, and then do it all over again. The point of doing this again and over again is to get rid of all of the debris in the mortar so that it doesn’t contaminate your spices.
You will likely carry out this process three or four times. It’s true that getting a mortar set up might be a hassle, but trust us when we say that you’ll love having one once you get the hang of using it in the kitchen. You can take a break at any point if you start feeling overwhelmed by the workload, and pick up where you left off later, ideally the next day. Finally, wash the mortar well with water to remove all traces of seasoning.
Are Wooden Mortar And Pestle Good – Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Clean Dirty Mortar And Pestle?
You shouldn’t put off cleaning your mortar and pestle until it’s too late. Spice fragments may cling to the sides of the mortar or rest on its surface.
I’ll be demonstrating two options for sanitising your mortar and pestle. Keep in mind that you must clean up right away after each use. Don’t put off cleaning until right before usage.
Procedure 1
- After you’ve finished grinding or crushing the spices, you should wash the mortar and pestle with hot water to remove any food particles that may have been left behind.
- The mortar should be rinsed with water and then washed with a soft sponge and unscented soap.
- Using the sponge, carefully scrub the mortar to remove any remaining dust or debris. Keep the pestle in your hand while using the sponge.
- After using the mortar and pestle for washing, you should give them a quick rinse.
- Then, wipe it down with a clean towel or cloth and put it away for later use.
Procedure 2
- To begin, obtain a paper towel and wipe down the mortar and pestle to remove any food particles. An alternative is to use a brush to remove the dust and dirt. Scrub or vacuum thoroughly until practically all of the dust and dirt is gone.
- To do this, you’ll need a fresh piece of fabric. In a bowl of water, soak the cloth. Clean the mortar and pestle with the cloth. Before using the cloth to clean the mortar and pestle, be sure to squeeze out as much extra water as possible.
- Reiterate the process described in step 2 while rinsing the cleaning cloth in fresh water and using it to wipe down the mortar and pestle.
- When you’ve finished washing and are sure that all the food debris is gone, set it aside to dry completely before putting it away.
Please note that before putting your mortar and pestle away for the last time, you should allow it air dry fully. To prevent dust from collecting on the bottom, flip it over for a day before putting it away.
How Do You Care For A Wooden Mortar And Pestle?
Both the body and the mortar and pestle need to be maintained. If you want them to last for years, you’ll have to put in some work to maintain them.
As important as it is to clean and store your mortar and pestle properly, you should also consider oiling them. There are three (3) kind of oil you can use on them.
They include;
- Premium 100% Pure Food Grade Mineral Oil is an example of a mineral oil that meets the standards for use in food.
- 100% pure tung oil, like Hope’s.
This is the only thing that needs to be done. To clean the mortar and pestle, simply use a towel dipped in one of the aforementioned oils. When the mortar and pestle are entirely dry, you can proceed.
Are Wooden Mortar And Pestle Good – Conclusion
In the kitchen, a wooden mortar and pestle are indispensable. Crushing or grinding spices with a mortar and pestle releases more flavour, oil, and aroma than buying them whole. Get your hands on one now and thank us later. This Olive Wood Mortar and Pestle Set is Handmade by Skilled Craftspeople and Could Be the Right Choice for You if You Can’t Decide.