TIL that some chefs use granite mortars for grinding spices, rocks in the kitchen!

3 comments

3 Comments

Granite mortars actually release more oils from spices than metal or ceramic ones! Crushing cardamom pods this way makes the fragrance so much stronger. It's like unlocking hidden flavors that electric grinders just heat up and lose. My friend who cooks Thai food says mortar-pounded curry paste tastes completely different. That rough granite surface gets into every seed and leaf. You can really taste the difference in simple things like black pepper!

jennifer_west1mo ago

Scott you talk about 'unlocking hidden flavors' but come on, is it THAT serious? I've used both granite and metal mortars and the difference isn't some huge game changer. Most home cooks won't notice if they're just making weeknight meals. Electric grinders are fast and fine for daily use. Spending extra on a granite mortar feels like overkill unless you're a pro chef. It's just not WORTH the hype for regular people.

the_luna20d ago

Actually ceramic can be great too.