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A mortar and pestle are tools used to break substances down into small particles by rubbing them in a small heavy bowl with a large, heavy, stick-like tool. They were first used in medicinal practice and are still used in cooking to provide the freshest and most concentrated flavors.
A mortar and pestle are tools used in the comminution process, which is the act of breaking substances down into small particles by rubbing them in a mortar with a pestle. The mortar is a small heavy bowl and the pestle is a large, heavy, stick-like tool with a rounded bottom, kind of like a short stubby baseball bat. They are usually made from hardwood, porcelain, stone or marble. A substance is placed in the mortar, then the pestle is used to grind against the substance, using downward pressure and a circular motion.
The pestle should be placed in the center of the mortar to begin with, starting with small circles, then gradually moving outward to create a larger circular motion, in a concentric fashion. When the circular revolution reaches the sides of the mortar, the action reverses, going from large circles to smaller circles. The cycle continues until the substance is completely pulverized.
The mortar and pestle were first introduced into medicinal practice. The medicines and herbs were crushed before being ingested by the patient. Reducing substances to the smallest particle size speeds up the absorption of medicines. These tools are documented in pharmacy practice as far back as 1550 BC and are still a popular icon used in pharmaceutical logos. Typically, a pharmaceutical-grade mortar and pestle are made from porcelain.
Another popular use of the mortar and pestle is to grind or crush spices and other items used in cooking. Mortar-and-pestle Mexican fare includes guacamole, salsa, and moles. Japanese chefs use these tools to grind sesame seeds to make pastes, and large mortars and pestles in the Middle East are used to grind meat. Pesto, an Italian sauce made by crushing garlic and herbs, derives its name from the pestle. From the Latin, mortar means “receptacle for grinding or hammering”, and pestle means “hammer”.
Grinding spices and herbs before adding them to foods provides the freshest and most concentrated flavors. Although some prefer stand mixers for ease of use, others still use mortar and pestle to release aromatic oils and essences, claiming a superior final product. These tools don’t use the same friction as a food processor, so the flavors don’t run out like they do in a food processor. This gentler approach is preferred by many cooks, despite the added work.
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