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Granite mortar and pestles are not only super durable but also look amazing in your kitchen. Before you start using one, though, seasoning it is a must because during the manufacturing process, they tend to pick up dust, grit, and other stuff you definitely don’t want in your food. Seasoning also helps smooth out the surface, which makes grinding easier and more effective. Here’s a quick and easy guide on how to season a granite mortar and pestle.
Seasoning a granite mortar and pestle is super important if you want it to work its best and last a long time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through it:
Use warm water and a mild dish soap to thoroughly wash your mortar and pestle. Avoid harsh chemicals or anything abrasive because you don’t want to damage the surface. Rinse really well to make sure there’s no soap residue left behind. Let it air dry completely.
Granite mortar and pestles are made from raw stone, so they might have some leftover stone dust, grit, or even tiny chips from the factory. To get rid of this, start by grinding some dry white rice in the bowl. Pour in about a handful and grind it with the pestle like you’re making flour. You’ll notice the rice picks up some grayish or sandy bits. Discard and repeat this process with fresh rice until the ground powder remains clean and white.
Discard the clean rice powder and rinse the mortar and pestle under warm water (no soap). Use your fingers to rub the surface lightly while rinsing to make sure all the rice dust and leftover grit are gone. Let it air dry again.
Garlic is great for seasoning granite because it fills in tiny pores on the surface, making it smoother. Take a couple of cloves of garlic, smash them with the pestle, and grind them into a paste in the mortar. Add a pinch of salt to help with grinding. The garlic oils also create a sort of natural polish on the surface. Once it’s all smashed and ground up, rinse the mortar and pestle with warm water (no soap) and dry it.
For an even better seasoning, repeat the grinding process with a few different ingredients. Try coarse salt and peppercorns next. Grind them up to further smooth the surface and remove any remaining grit. After that, you can grind some herbs like basil or parsley to add a nice fresh scent to the mortar.
Once you’ve seasoned it with rice, garlic, and herbs, give it one last rinse with warm water. Dry it completely—don’t leave it wet or it could absorb moisture or develop stains. You can let it air dry or use a clean towel to speed things up.
Some people like to finish off by rubbing a tiny bit of food-safe mineral oil into the mortar’s surface. This step isn’t necessary, but it can help protect the stone and keep it looking polished. Just make sure to wipe off any excess oil so it doesn’t get sticky.
Skipping the seasoning might not seem like a big deal, but trust me, you’ll notice a difference. A seasoned mortar and pestle grinds more smoothly and is way easier to clean. Plus, you won’t have to worry about any weird grit ending up in your food.
Looking for the perfect granite mortar and pestle? Check out Pepe Nero! It’s durable, stylish, and designed to handle everything from spices to guacamole with ease. Shop with us today.
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