Mortar & Pestal. Who has one?

Shermie

Well-known member

Site Supporter

• Dec 22, 2013

• #1

How many of you have one of these?

It's an ancient centuries-old food prep device which probably goes way back to the Stone Age or Biblical times.

Even today, it still may be in use in many households! It is still very effective and it's mainly used to crush & mash garlic, herbs and spices.

I've had one for a while, but I still have yet to use it!

The one on the left has kind of a mushroom-shaped pounder. The one on the right is similar to the one that I have.

 

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Last edited: Dec 22, 2013

lilbopeep

🌹🐰 Still trying to get it right.

Site Supporter

• Dec 22, 2013

• #2

I have a marble one like the one on the right. Actually it is my second one. Some how I broke the pestle. I used to use it to crack pepper corns before I got a grinder and for crushing garlic before I got my micro plane and press. This was when I first started cooking on my own,

 

Shermie

Well-known member

Site Supporter

• Dec 22, 2013

• #3

Here's mine.

This is a very big heavy monster!!

The bowl & pounder are awesomely very heavy!! You could KILL someone with them if they were trying to break into your house!!

But the next time that I need garlic paste, I will definitely give it a whirl!!

 

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QSis

Grill Master

Staff member

Gold Site Supporter

• Dec 22, 2013

• #4

That's a beauty, Sherman!

I have a small white porcelain? ceramic? one that I never use. Well, I may have used it once to "muddle" some mint for a mint julep on Kentucky Derby day.

Lee

 

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Shermie

Well-known member

Site Supporter

• Dec 22, 2013

• #5

Thanks! But like I said, it's heavy as the dickens!!

Looks like you took that photo during the summer here! Hah!!

 

Last edited: Dec 22, 2013

Ian M.

New member

• Dec 22, 2013

• #6

Sherman - That's a big one, all right - looks, as you say it is - heavy as the dickens. Good weapon if you should ever need one. I have several of these things - all marble except for one wooden one that I've never used becaue I'm afraid I'll damage it in some way. They're great for crushing herbs and spices - but it sure is easier to just go to a spice bazarre and buy them already crushed!

Ian

 

Ian M.

New member

• Dec 22, 2013

• #7

Lee - A very nice and flattering photo of you sitting there with your whatever drink in hand. I'm with Sherm - that's a summertime pix.

Ian

 

Shermie

Well-known member

Site Supporter

• Dec 22, 2013

• #8

Ian M. said:

Sherman - That's a big one, all right - looks, as you say it is - heavy as the dickens. Good weapon if you should ever need one. I have several of these things - all marble except for one wooden one that I've never used becaue I'm afraid I'll damage it in some way. They're great for crushing herbs and spices - but it sure is easier to just go to a spice bazarre and buy them already crushed!

Ian

Click to expand...

I almost need two hands to lift the thing! Hah!!

 

QSis

Grill Master

Staff member

Gold Site Supporter

• Dec 22, 2013

• #9

Ian M. said:

Lee - A very nice and flattering photo of you sitting there with your whatever drink in hand. I'm with Sherm - that's a summertime pix.

Ian

Click to expand...

Yes, it was in May, Kentucky Derby day, in 2006.

I was drinking a mint julep but in a martini glass!

Lee

 

joec

New member

Gold Site Supporter

• Dec 23, 2013

• #10

I've had this one for years now. Don't even remember where I bought it from now. It is small but works well for my needs.

 

Shermie

Well-known member

Site Supporter

• Dec 23, 2013

• #11

Looks cute!!

 

Adillo303

*****

Gold Site Supporter

• Dec 23, 2013

• #12

I have a small one, actually too small to do any good.

This might be a good woodturning project for me over the winter though.

 

Adillo303

*****

Gold Site Supporter

• Dec 23, 2013

• #13

Lee - That picture is nothing short of an inspiration.

 

Shermie

Well-known member

Site Supporter

• Dec 23, 2013

• #14

I have a small stainless steel one somewhere in the back room. I'll come across it
someday.

Not looking for it because it'll aggravate, infuriate & make me mad as the dickens trying to find it and can't find it!!

 

L

loboloco

Active member

• Dec 23, 2013

• #15

Never used one in the kitchen. I have a small porcelain one and a wooden one I use in mixing chemicals occasionally.

 

K

Kimchee

Guest

• Dec 26, 2013

• #16

I have an old brass one from the Middle East that I used to use as a pen holder.
It has been restored to its rightful occupation, and gets used quite a bit.

 

LETHAL GTS

New member

• Jan 20, 2014

• #17

I have a big heavy one.
i prefer the larger ones as they don't move as easy when you are really beating on something.
I have had one for years and they are great for many things, but I use it mostly for dry herbs to bring the oils out like rosemary.
Best place to buy them are at the Chinese markets. They are cheap and of good quality from what I've seen. They don't mark them up by 100% like the kitchen stores and boutiques.