In this article, I explain why the mortar and pestle is such a great option for grinding coffee beans, and why it can be a genius addition to your coffee process. I have been using one for over a year, and I’m super happy with it for grinding my coffee. Before I explain why, I’ll tell you what exactly a mortar and pestle is, and how to use it.
What is a mortar and pestle?
A mortar and pestle is a bowl and wand made out of a hard material, usually clay or stone, and sometimes made of metal or wood. This kind of tool has been used for millennia to grind things. People often use them to grind herbs, spices, and coffee beans.
How do you use a mortar and pestle?
To use a mortar and pestle for coffee, you start by putting no more than one layer of beans on the bottom of the bowl. Then, you smash them with the wide end of the wand. It doesn’t take much force. Continue until they have reached your desired consistency.
Now that we know what this tool is and how to use it, let’s get into the top reasons why it’s a great way to grind coffee beans.
Reasons to use a mortar and pestle for coffee
1. It Can be Low Cost
It’s cheap (or at least it can be). I purchased my small mortar and pestle at a little local shop in Wyoming for $12, and it has proven to be one of the best things I’ve bought in the past few years. If you pay $12 for your mortar and pestle and continue to use it for one year, you’ve only paid $1 a month for that part of your coffee process. The longer you use it, the less you’re paying for it monthly. You can definitely spend a lot on a mortar and pestle if you want to, but the great thing is that you don’t have to.
2. It’s a manual method, but not difficult
You have complete manual control over the process. It’s very hands-on, but not very energy intensive, unlike a handheld burr-grinder, which can be a real pain. This means you have complete control over the process. You can visually inspect everything as it’s happening, so you don’t grind the beans down too fine.
3. It’s so Simple
A mortar and pestle is essentially the two rocks method that I mentioned elsewhere, but with a more sophisticated form. There’s nothing that needs to be plugged in or charged, or components that you can break easily. Compare this to an electric burr grinder which has many moving parts that have room for error—if one thing breaks, the whole operation is dust. I have even seen a handheld burr grinder get broken by someone snapping the crank in the wrong direction. A mortar and pestle is too simple to do that to! Rest assured that it will be safe around your Kronk friends (probably).
4. It’s potentially an antique coffee grinder
Not only could you get ahold of an antique mortar and pestle from an older family member or at an estate sale, but your brand new set could become a beautiful antique one day. Because a mortar and pestle set is such simple equipment, not a lot can go wrong or bad with it. As long as you store it properly and keep it clean, it can last for generations. You could be the great-grandparent that passed down their coffee tools and methods to people in the future. A mortar and pestle that stays in the family is a beautiful thing.
5. It’s sustainable
There is nothing disposable about a mortar and pestle. They are built to last a long time, possibly forever. They are not made from plastic or anything that would contaminate the ocean. This tool is constructed from earthen materials, so it can add a touch of nature to your coffee brewing method. And, because it is so charmingly anachronistic, it will never appear outdated. A mortar and pestle of any style will fit into the aesthetic of any kitchen. So, there is never any reason to get rid of it or replace it. It will last forever!
6. It’s great for camping
The mortar and pestle requires no electricity, so it is a great option if you’re going camping. You can go out into the wilderness and enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing your caffeine intake. At the same time, your coffee will be fresh, because you don’t have to pre-grind it before going on your trip! As a plus, you can also use it to grind any herbs or spices that you’d like to use while you’re cooking out in nature.
7. You can use it for other things too
A mortar and pestle is a multi-purpose tool! You can use it to grind so many materials that I wouldn’t dare try to name them all. Some things I’ve used it for include coffee, herbs, spices, and mushrooms. If you are making a coffee recipe that uses other herbs or spices, a mortar and pestle can be a great tool. This way, you’ll only need one thing to grind many different ingredients.
8. You can use it during a power outage
Imagine a dramatic bolt of lightning strikes in your neighborhood and the power goes out. Rain is pelting down on your roof and there’s no light. You get out your emergency candles and set them up around the kitchen so you can prepare your coffee. It’s nighttime, but who cares? We’re wild here. We drink coffee at all hours. You get out your mortar and pestle and start grinding your favorite beans. There’s a storm outside, but you are at peace.
9. Imagine this
Your great great grandchild’s neighborhood suffers a power outage from a dramatic bolt of lightning. It’s pelting rain and their thingamacobulator doesn’t work without electricity, so now they have nothing to do. They get out the emergency candles and set them up around the kitchen so they can prepare their coffee. It’s nighttime, but who cares? Their great great grandparent drank coffee at all hours. They get out their mortar and pestle and start grinding their favorite beans. They look at their kids and say, “This is ancestor Jayden’s mortar and pestle.” You are immortal.
This ancient method is still around for a very good reason. The mortar and pestle is an endlessly useful invention, and it works very well for grinding coffee. It’s amazing how something so simple can be so innovative, and last for so long. Now that you know what a mortar and pestle is, how to use one for coffee, and why it’s a great option, you can decide for yourself if this is something you’d like to use for your own coffee process.
You can read about other coffee grinding methods here. If you found this post entertaining or useful, subscribe to Herbs and Brew!