The mortar and pestle is an ancient tool, with evidence of similar stone tools being used to smash and grind dating back almost 40,000 years. This tradition continues today in many cuisines across the world, from Thailand to Italy. Should the mortar and pestle also be in your kitchen? The short answer is yes. It is absolutely a tool that any home cook deserves to use regularly. The longer answer comes with numerous reasons:
Better Flavors
In today’s world of electronic gadgets, the blender and the food processor have attempted to replace the mortar and pestle in many kitchens. The problem is that there is no way for these tools to replicate the grinding of the pestle and the smashing against the bowl of the mortar. Electric grinders, blenders, food processors, these all have sharp blades that cut the ingredients into smaller and smaller pieces.
A mortar and pestle like the KROK handcrafted mortar and pestle does something completely different. When you smash and grind the ingredients with your pestle, you are actually breaking cell walls and breaking down fibers. This releases oils and aromas previously locked inside these fibers and cells. Now you’re accessing flavors and smells that had no other way of being released.
Better Control
Using a mortar and pestle also gives you more direct control over the final product. Whether you’re making pesto, a curry paste, or grinding spices, you will be able to see and feel the texture of your ingredients.
If you are making a pesto, using a mortar and pestle allows you to control the emulsification of the olive oil. Swirling the pestle around emulsifies the pesto into a creamier texture than you could ever accomplish with a food processor.
When grinding spices, there are numerous reasons why you would want a variation in the fineness of the grind. Chunkier black peppercorns are perfect for steaks and anything else you like to dry rub. For creamy soups, you might want spices to be ground practically into a powder so no large chunks are floating around. No matter the texture you want, the mortar and pestle is the easiest way to accomplish it.
Better Kitchen
Quicker and easier clean-up always makes for a better kitchen. After using a mortar and pestle, it’s incredibly easy to run some hot water over it while lightly scrubbing the surface with something like a brush. A majority of the time, and especially if you’re cleaning up soon after using it, no soap or elbow grease is needed. Food processors and electric grinders are always difficult to clean, using fine brushes or lots of soap. Often, you have to take apart the tool to really clean between the blades.
Aesthetically, a mortar and pestle is an impressive work of art that can look beautiful in any kitchen. All variations of the mortar pestle are visually appealing, from the Thai granite to the Italian marble, the Mexican molcajete to the Japanese suribachi. It’s a statement piece, a conversation starter, and a versatile tool all within arm’s reach.
