Brilio.net - Stone mortars are often chosen to grind food ingredients, such as chili sauce and spices, because their hard texture allows food ingredients to be ground quickly when ground. However, stone mortars sold on the market are not always made of real stone. Some dishonest traders may claim that the mortars they sell are made of stone, when in fact they are made of cement. Mortars made of cement are at risk of contaminating food ingredients because they contain hazardous chemicals. These chemicals not only interfere with the taste, but can also increase the risk of health problems.
One way to identify a mortar that is not made of real stone is to pay attention to its weight. Real stone mortars generally have a fairly heavy weight, in contrast to fake mortars which tend to be lighter. In addition, the color of the mortar can also be an indicator. Real stone mortars usually have a more natural grayish black or greenish color, while fake mortars tend to have a uniform black or gray color.
There is also another way to check the authenticity of a stone mortar at home, as explained by Instagram user @indah3yani. This woman explains two ways, one of which can be done with the help of a simple kitchen ingredient.
photo: Instagram/@indah3yani
The first way, prepare a bucket or basin that is wide enough to soak the mortar in it. Then, add clean water and soak the mortar in it. Let the mortar soak for a few minutes.
"Observe the mortar for 20-30 minutes, are there any bubbles coming out," added the owner of the Instagram account @indah3yani, quoted by BrilioFood on Wednesday (18/12).
photo: Instagram/@indah3yani
Now, if there are many air bubbles coming out of the mortar while being soaked in water, it could be that the mortar is not made of real stone, but cement. It is different if there is no reaction whatsoever coming out of the mortar, it is possible that your mortar is made of real stone.
photo: Instagram/@indah3yani
If you are still not sure about the first method, let's try the second method. Prepare the main kitchen ingredient, namely rice. Put a little rice into a mortar, then pour enough clean water. Grind the rice with a pestle.
photo: Instagram/@indah3yani
After the rice is ground until half smooth, immediately observe its color. If the rice does not change color, that is, it remains white as before, it means that your mortar is made of real stone. Conversely, if the rice changes color to black or gray, it means that your mortar is made of cement.