Wood Vs. Marble Mortar and Pestle

Granite and marble are common stone materials for a mortar and pestle.

Mortars and pestles are handy kitchen tools that provide a quick way to grind herbs, spices or other materials into fine powder. They are available in a wide range of materials, from nearly indestructible zirconia to hardwoods like oak. Choosing the right mortar and pestle material depends on your specific durability and versatility needs.

Absorption

Grinding spices, vegetables or nuts can lead to flavor transfer if the mortar and pestle is too absorbent. High-moisture foods, as well as those that produce strongly flavored oils, will quickly add their flavors to a wood mortar and pestle says Fante's Kitchen Wear Shop. This can work to your advantage if you have separate mortars for different flavor combination. For example, a wooden mortar that is used only for making salsa may enhance the flavor of future salsas. If you need a mortar and pestle that won't transfer flavors, choose a marble model.

Durability

No matter what materials they are made from, a mortar and pestle will last longer if they are cared for properly. However, some materials are less durable and will break under heavy use sooner than others. For the longest use out of your mortar and pestle, choose marble, according to the cooking website Culinate. It's nearly impossible to chip or grind the stone into the materials you are working with. High-quality hardwoods like acacia and oak can take regular use for a long time as well, but the pestle or grinding surface may develop cracks or deep scratches that interfere with cleaning.

Weight

Crushing peppers or nutmeg with a wood mortar and pestle takes longer than in a ceramic or marble model, according to the Mortar and Pestle Sets website, because the wood version does not have the same weight. A heavier pestle provides more force when crushing or grinding. But heavy pestles will also put more strain on your wrist and arm. If you are planning to grind only soft materials like tomatoes and dried herb leaves, a wooden mortar and pestle will be sufficient.

Visual Appeal

Marble comes in a variety of colors, but if your mortar and pestle will be purely decorative, you might prefer a wooden model, according to The Gourmet Sleuth website. Due to the ease of carving and to wood's acceptance of different stains and paints, you can find decorative mortars and pestles in nearly any color, shape or design. Even if the inside of the mortar bowl is unfinished, you may need to avoid using a decorative model for actual use because paint or sealant from the exterior of the bowl could flake off into your food.

References

• Fante's Kitchen Wares Shop: Mortar & Pestle
• Culinate: Nose to the Grindstone - Every Kitchen Needs a Mortar and Pestle
• Mortar and Pestle Sets: Wood Vs. Marble Mortar and Pestle
• Gourmet Sleuth: Mortar and Pestle