Why You Should Really Get a Mortar and Pestle

For some tasks, a mortar and pestle is better than a food processor, a blender, or even your trusty chef’s knife. Here’s why you need this old-school tool.

Author:: Janet Taylor McCracken
Publish date:: May 2, 2018

person using mortar and pestle — Photo courtesy of Offset

It’s a Flavor-Saver

The main reason to get a mortar and pestle? Taste. The bashing, pressing, and tapping motions are more effective at releasing the flavors in whatever you’re grinding up (herbs, garlic, or spices) than any of your fancy electronic gadgets. The result: punchier pestos and spice blends that sing.

It Gives You Control

Have you tried to grind a few teaspoons of spices in your mini food processor? Ever hit the pulse button one time too many when making your chimichurri? When you’re going hands-on, you can easily mash up small quantities of stuff and grind mixtures with more precision.

It Saves You Money

Sure, you have to buy a mortar and pestle, but a three- to four-inch model costs only around $20 and will last for years and years. That one-time investment will quickly pay for itself because whole spices are cheaper than ground spices and they stay fresher longer, too.