In order for a dish to have a rich flavor and taste, it is necessary to add spices to it. Most ready-to-use spices in bags do not meet expectations, as they often counterfeit or lose much of their taste. That is why it is better to use natural seasonings and prepare them immediately before use in a mortar with a pestle.
Mortar with pestle: main characteristics
First, we'll figure out which form will suit you. If you want to buy a set for grinding spices, you need to look for tall and narrow mortars. In order to break and crush into powder, flat and wide ones are best suited.
Each of the forms must correspond to the following characteristics:
- high hardness of the material (it must withstand impact loads and rubbing);
- plasticity (during deformation, the material should not be destroyed);
- high density;
- chemical resistance (during the grinding process the material should not interact with food).
Which mortar is better?
The modern market of kitchen accessories offers products for grinding spices from all sorts of materials and different price categories. Consider the types of mortar with pestle, which today can be found on the shelves in stores.
- Mortar for marble spices . Due to its attractive appearance, this material has long been actively used in all industries. Marble mortar for spices is suitable only for dry spices and seasonings, since this material reacts with weak acids and absorbs moisture. This option is suitable for preparation of non-aggressive pastes and oil-based seasonings.
- The stone mortar . If you want to choose an option for more aggressive spices, it is better to choose a mortar made of granite, chalcedony, carnelian or onyx. Such mortars are polished to a shine and they only need to grind the seasonings, but do not apply impact methods of grinding. Nothing adheres to the surface, the material does not react with juices and acids. Popular is the agate mortar. Due to the alternation of the layers of chalcedony and quartzite, an interesting pattern and a rather wide color spectrum are obtained. To make a stone mortar, Brazilian agate is most often used.
- Porcelain mortar with pestle . The material has proven itself due to the ability not to absorb moisture and odors, resistance to juices and acids. The only and main drawback of porcelain is its fragility. So work with him should be carefully, carefully rub the spices, but do not pound them. Porcelain mortar is very simple to clean and can be washed even in a dishwasher .
- The mortar is wooden . If it is necessary to smash and crush, it's worth to get a wooden mortar. Of course, the tree absorbs odors and moisture, but it is very resistant to shocks. In the store try to choose models from hard rocks and from a single piece. It is in the models of their whole piece that a film gradually forms which does not absorb moisture. Pay attention to the location of the fibers: the longitudinal direction will ensure a longer service life.
- Mortar is made of metal . Such mortars are almost eternal. The most resistant to impact brass and nickel, and stainless steel almost does not absorb odors and moisture resistant. Cast-iron mortars are heavy and suitable only for dry spices, as they quickly rust. A bronze mortar with a pestle, although it has a high resistance to abrasion, but quickly deteriorates from permanent shock loads. So it's better to use it for grinding.
In addition, using a mortar with a pestle, you can prepare natural cosmetics with your own hands .