In This Guide:

What Is a Mortar & Pestle?
Why Use a Mortar & Pestle?
How to Use a Mortar & Pestle Set
Mortar & Pestle Materials
Mortar & Pestle Features

What Is a Mortar and Pestle?

A key kitchen utensil that dates all the way back to 35000 BC, the mortar and pestle is a set of two tools (a grinder and a bowl) that is used to prepare ingredients by crushing or powdering.

Why Use a Mortar and Pestle?

When you picture a mortar and pestle, you probably think of fresh guacamole or freshly ground spices, but there are many other instances where it’s the best tool for the job. While it may seem a little more labor intensive, using a mortar and pestle over another appliance such as a food processor actually preserves and intensifies your ingredients. Crushing ingredients by hand vs. chopping with a blade results in less friction and damage, ultimately releasing brighter flavors so you can taste the difference.

How to Use a Mortar and Pestle Set

Once you have a mortar and pestle in your kitchen, you’ll find yourself reaching for it more than you thought. In addition to grinding spices and coffee beans, you can also muddle fruits for cocktails, powder herbs, nuts, teas, and release oils from dry spices. You can even elevate your oven-baked meals with a homemade breadcrumb topping. When choosing a mortar and pestle set, there are several factors to consider. Keep in mind that some materials are better designed for certain tasks, or even originate from different cultures to create the most authentic dishes.

Below are step-by-step instructions on how to use your mortar and pestle.

Step 1: Select Out Your Ingredients
A mortar and pestle can be used for a number of ingredients ranging from spices to nuts, to create pastes, pesto, and even guacamole. No matter what you choose, they all function in the same way.

Step 2: Measure Your Ingredients
As per the recipe, measure out your ingredients and then place them into the mortar (bowl). Do not fill more than 1/3 of the way.

• Should you have a larger quantity of ingredients, it is better to grind them in batches so you can get an even grind.

Step 3: Begin Grinding
There are a number of ways you can grind your ingredients, depending on the consistency you desire or on your own preferences. All of them begin with you holding the mortar in your one hand (usually the non-dominant), and the pestle in your other fist (usually the dominant) with the thick rounded end in the bowl.

• To grind, twist the pestle against the ingredients and crush them against the bottom and sides of the mortar until you reach the correct consistency.
• Alternatively you can press the pestle down into the ingredient and roll it against the mortar using firm pressure until complete.
• For tougher or larger ingredients, you can bash or pound the ingredients by bringing the broad end of the pestle down using firm and short pounding.

Step 4: Clean the Mortar & Pestle
It is best to check the cleaning instructions on your mortar and pestle and avoid using soap, as the scent and taste could potentially stick and leech into your foods.

• If your tools are dishwasher safe, then simply place them in the dishwasher.
• After a dry grind of spices, you can simply wipe them off using a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Never submerge wood in water but instead use a damp cloth to clean and allow them to air dry.
• For any tough stains or odors, place dry rice in the mortar and grind it finely. Repeat this process until the rice powder is white and the stains are removed.

Mortar and Pestle Materials

Marble: Marble has an unpolished, textured surface on the interior of the mortar and the base of the pestle for better control while crushing and grinding. The elegant marble design also functions as a beautiful kitchen accessory with every set featuring unique patterns and colorations.

Granite: This porous stone seasons and holds flavor over time just like cast iron. The textured interior of the granite mortar is particularly efficient for grinding, notably with tricky fibrous ingredients like lime leaves or lemon grass.

Stoneware: Stoneware effectively blocks moisture to prevent potential cracking, crazing, and rippling. It’s the best mortar and pestle material for making fresh pesto or other crushed-herb blends because of its special ridged interior. Also, it’s super easy to clean with just a brush and warm water.

Wood: The smooth finish of wood mortar and pestles like ones made from bamboo are well suited for more time consuming tasks thanks to its hand-friendly smooth finish. Some wood pestles are made specifically with unpolished ends that’s perfect for crushing spices.

Now that you’ve answered “what is a mortar and pestle?” and know all the possible ways a mortar and pestle is used, you can determine which set can fit all of your crushing and grinding needs. You’re that much closer to homemade guacamole and more.