Mortar and pestle Facts for Kids

Mortar and pestle.

A mortar and pestle are two simple tools that work together. They are used to crush, grind, and mix different things. Imagine a small bowl and a stick – that's basically what they are!

The mortar is the bowl-shaped part. It holds the things you want to grind. Mortars usually have smooth, rounded insides and wide openings. The pestle is the stick-like tool. You use it to press, pound, and rub against the items in the mortar to break them down.

People use mortars and pestles for many things. In pharmacies, they help crush ingredients to make drugs or medicines. In cooking, they are perfect for grinding herbs, spices, or even making sauces like guacamole or pesto.

What is a Mortar and Pestle?
- How They Work
Uses of Mortar and Pestle
History of Mortar and Pestle
- Ancient Times
- Different Materials
Images for kids
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What is a Mortar and Pestle?

A mortar and pestle is a very old and useful set of tools. It helps you change solid things into powders or pastes. The mortar is like a sturdy bowl. The pestle is a heavy stick or club. You use the pestle to press and twist against the items in the mortar. This action breaks them into smaller pieces.

How They Work

Using a mortar and pestle is quite simple. You place the items you want to grind into the mortar. Then, you use the pestle to press down and twist. This creates friction and pressure. This action crushes and grinds the items. You can make them as fine as you need.

Uses of Mortar and Pestle

Mortars and pestles have been used for thousands of years. They are still important today in many fields.

In the Kitchen

Many chefs and home cooks use mortars and pestles. They are great for grinding fresh spices. This helps to release their full flavor. You can also crush garlic or make pastes. Think about making curry paste or grinding peppercorns. They are also used to make guacamole or pesto from scratch.

In Medicine and Science

For a long time, pharmacists used mortars and pestles daily. They would grind different chemicals and plants. This helped them mix ingredients for medicines. Even today, some pharmacies use them for special mixtures. In science labs, they are used to prepare samples. For example, they can crush plant material for experiments.

In Art and Craft

Artists sometimes use mortars and pestles too. They can grind pigments to make paints. This allows them to create unique colors. In some cultures, they are used in traditional crafts. They help prepare materials for dyeing fabrics or making pottery.

History of Mortar and Pestle

The mortar and pestle are some of the oldest tools known. People have used them for at least 30,000 years. Early humans used them to prepare food. They would grind wild grains and nuts. They also used them to prepare plant-based medicines.

Ancient Times

Evidence of mortars and pestles has been found all over the world. Ancient Egyptians used them for cosmetics and medicines. Romans used them for cooking and preparing herbs. In many ancient cultures, they were essential for daily life. They helped process food and create remedies.

Different Materials

Over time, mortars and pestles have been made from many materials. Early ones were often made from stone. Later, people used wood, metal (like bronze or iron), and ceramics. Each material has its own benefits. Stone is very durable for hard items. Wood is good for softer herbs. Porcelain is often used in labs because it is easy to clean.

Images for kids

Guinean women stamping into a large mortar.
Stone Age stone mortar and pestle, Kebaran culture, 22000–18000 BC
Rock mortars in Raqefet Cave, Israel, used for making beer during the Stone Age
Baba Yaga flies in her mortar, by Ivan Bilibin.
A traditional Indian mortar and pestle.
Bangkang pinawa, literally "boat (bangka) for unpolished rice", an ancient mortar and pestle from the Philippines
A wooden mortar and pestle discovered at Briar's plantation in South Carolina. It was found in the rice loft and presumably used for dehulling.
Women in Cape Verde using a large mortar with multiple pestles.
Mortar and Pestle from bronze alloy, Greece.
Mitmita made in Ethiopia.
Tjobek the Indonesian word in Dutch spelling for mortars and pestles.
A traditional Nepali mortar and pestle.
Molcajete y tejolote, Mexico.
A Lao‑style mortar and pestle.
Mortar used to pulverize plant material
A Wooden mortar and pestle
Iran, Khurasan. Late 12th or early 13th century AD. Khalili Collection.