Types of Mortars & Pestles

Mortars and pestles (MPs) go together as a set. A pestle is an implement used for crushing larger particles into fine particles or for mixing them together. A mortar is the bowl in which the substances are crushed. MPs are used all around the world. They form an essential tool that is transportable, convenient and simple to use.

Types

• MPs come in a variety of types, depending on their intended use, place of origin, availability of materials and preference of design or style. Malaysian designs have a disproportionately large pestle, whereas apothecary mortars tend to have handles and are shaped like an hourglass. Due to the popularity and convenience of MPs, automatic or mechanical ones have been created for efficient use.

Sizes

• Most mortars are the size of a soup bowl. The pestle is thicker on the bottom end and can be held in one hand. These are used in food preparations, mainly sauces, herbs and spices. Some are tiny, for crushing hot peppers. Pestles employed in agriculture are 2 to 4 feet tall, with bucket-sized mortars. Commonly used in the Far East and Middle East, they pound quantities of grain or meat.

Materials

• MPs are made of material that is heavy enough to grind. The best MPs are smooth and nonporous, which prevent substances from clinging to the tools causing mold or contamination. They should not be fashioned from materials that chip or splinter like unfired clay or brittle wood.

  The substances used affect material selection. Acidic foods or certain chemicals may react well or poorly when combined with metals and woods in particular. Cast iron MPs must be "seasoned," and some are kept oiled.

  Materials used for MPs vary from marble and stone (such as granite) to woods (teak, bamboo and oak), metals (iron, steel or brass), basalt, and glazed or fired clays and porcelains. Glass is sometimes used for liquids, but is dangerous for grinding. Some use combined materials. Japanese MPs (suribachi and surikogi) are formed of fine porcelains, with a wooden handle.

Functions

• One function of MPs is to pulverize substances into smaller particle forms, such as grinding spices into powder or mashing mint leaves. This releases fragrances, oils and juices and is used for aromatherapy, cooking, consumption and enhanced flavor. Crushing pills makes them easier to inhale or ingest so that they work quickly as medicine.

  Another function is to combine or fuse properties and substances. In India, chai tea is made by crushing together cardamon seeds, peppercorns, cloves and sometimes ginger and cinnamon to create a unique spice. In Mexico, guacamole in his often prepared using mortars and pestles.

  A final use is alchemical: reducing substances and combining them to produce new substances or create chemical reactions. Illegal uses of mortars and pestles are related to the manufacture and consumption of drugs. Mortars and pestles may also be used to produce dyes and paints.

Apothecary

• MPs have always been tied to apothecary and pharmaceuticals. They have always been used to prepare medicines and natural healing herbs as well as alchemical products. The black silhouette of an MP with an "Rx" written over it is the logo or insignia of pharmacies.

  According to his biography, Josiah Wedgwood, the inventor of fine porcelains, used Cornish clay to create a perfect MP. He took the design to Apothecary Hall, and sold it throughout Great Britain among philosophers and chemists alike. Long before Wedgwood, healers of both sexes used MPs to prepare "healants" such as tinctures, broths, poultices, topical pastes and inhalants.