G'day folks, I want to get a mortar and pestle for the boss for mother's day, it's one of those things that's always been on the "one day" list. Lately we've been investing heavily into our garden and she's super into herbs and medicinal plants and making potions so I think it's time.
I've never owned one so don't really know what to look for. But I am a tool guy and have no problems paying for something that's good quality and will last. Though having said that, from what I've seen they're not all that expensive.
I've been looking at kitchen warehouse - https://www.kitchenwarehouse.com.au/kitchenware/grind-and-spice/mortars-and-pestles?srsltid=AfmBOop35hiGud4yuvxXYftu2VD2FXfoR_agNYt0dXjY4RFgtlzT0UHZ
I like the look of the black granite ones, this 20 cm low profile - https://www.kitchenwarehouse.com.au/product/avanti-low-profile-mortar-and-pestle-20cm-black#review-container
But it'd be frustrating to have stuff constantly jumping out the sides, so maybe this deeper bowl 16 cm job - https://www.kitchenwarehouse.com.au/product/gourmet-kitchen-granite-mortar-and-pestle-16cm
I think if I had to make the choice myself I'd probably go with the 16 cm deeper one. But I'd love to hear input from anyone who's spent some time using these and what I should consider when choosing.
Info that may or may not help - she's a former chef, so her chopping game is already top notch, she can mince veggies with a knife. She also likes fiddly little bullshit that would drive me nuts, like crocheting, so she's got nimble fingers. I've got fists like hams and big, sausage shaped fingers, so I'm more interested in something that would work for her than for me.
Thanks a ton!
Edit to add - I'm not committed to kitchen warehouse, it's just where I ended up and I liked the look of what they had. But I am committed to something that's going to ship from Australia, because of all the everything.
It depends on what she’s using it for.
I’m not experienced in using them but I have a smallish metal mortar and pestle from an Asian shop that is traditionally used to bruise fresh herbs for cooking or mint leaves for cocktails, and would probably crush garlic. I chose it because it wouldn’t leave gritty residue in crushed pills and would wash clean. Both the mortar and pestle are very smooth so it would take longer or be more difficult to finely grind anything hard or dried.
The first link shows garlic and soft leaves (basil?) so that might be a similar use.
Rougher stone options like the granite are good for harder things but the size depends on whether she’s grinding a small amount of dried spices, or larger amounts of stuff like dried chillies or rice and lentils for dosa. They may also leave a bit of grit behind until they’ve been used enough to wear most of that off.
Ceramic might leave dust behind for a while unless the inside is sealed with glaze, in which case it’d probably be good for the softer things.
High narrow walls contain small amounts in one spot and prevent them getting kicked out the sides, but for heavier grinding lower walls allow more circular movement. Somewhere in the middle might be more versatile.
But if it’s on either end it’s definitely annoying to properly grind an amount that’s too large for the mortar and also to chase a too small amount around the inside (and have to make sure you don’t leave half behind as residue) so I’m no help here…
Maybe just show her pics without the prices and ask her what would suit. Or take her out to lunch near one of the places (not necessarily on the day) and have a look together. Or gift card
I've checked out metal ones and I think they'd be worth a look, but she's told me she's definitely not interested, it's gotta be traditional. I'm definitely with you on the right tool for the job, I got huge points early in our marriage when I decided to buy her a food processor, but couldn't decide on the size so I got her a big one and a small one and she loved that.
But I don't think I can justify more than one mortar and pestle, and the 20 cm one is getting kinda big I think, so I've gone with the 16 cm bowl one. Thanks for the input!