Mortar and Pestle Sets

Mortar and pestle sets have been used in the preparation of food since prehistoric times. The set consists of the mortar - a bowl usually made of some sort of stone or hard wood, into which the food item is placed. The pestle - a bat shaped piece of stone or wood - is then used to mill the food in the mortar by pounding or grinding.

While a blender or food processor can be used to emulsify ingredients more quickly than a mortar and pestle, many chefs claim that the flavor isn't the same. It's also said that the blades of a food processor or blender move at such high speeds that they heat up. The heat they produce can cause oxidation of the ingredients, leading to discoloration. You'll see this especially in bright green ingredients, like basil for pesto, which can turn slightly brownish when processed with an appliance. A mortar and pestle can preserve the flavors and colors of your ingredients.