Brilio.net - Despite the existence of modern equipment such as blenders, many people still prefer to use a mortar to grind spices. The process of grinding with a mortar and pestle produces a stronger and more delicious aroma of spices and herbs compared to using a blender.
Mortar and pestle are available in various types, including those made of lightweight clay. In addition to grinding spices, clay mortars are also often used as food serving containers in traditional restaurants. In fact, this type of mortar can be used for cooking.
However, clay mortars require special care. If not used for a long time, the mortar can become a place for mold and bacteria to grow. Mold can grow in the pores and surface of the mortar, potentially contaminating food.
Cleaning a clay mortar from mold cannot be done simply by washing it with regular soap and a sponge. This is because soap and sponges cannot reach the mold that grows inside the pores of the mortar. As a result, even though the surface of the mortar looks clean, the mold inside can still grow back.
If you are facing mold problems in your clay mortar, you don't have to throw it away right away. There is a special way to remove the mold. A YouTube user named Azizah Muzamil has shared a method to deal with mold in a clay mortar using simple kitchen ingredients.
As reported by BrilioFood on Friday (27/9), there are a number of steps that must be taken before washing the mortar with soap. First, boil water until hot. Then pour it over the moldy mortar until it fills the entire surface. This hot water is more effective in killing mold-causing bacteria, you know.
photo: YouTube/Azizah Muzamil
After adding hot water, add salt and baking soda to taste. Stir until all ingredients are dissolved. Then let it sit for 10 minutes so that all ingredients can be absorbed into the inside of the mortar and kill the fungus. In addition to fungus, salt and baking soda will help remove stubborn stains on the mortar. That way, the mortar is cleaner and more hygienic when used later.
photo: YouTube/Azizah Muzamil
After being left to stand, the water looks cloudy and full of dirt. This indicates that the dirt in the mortar has begun to lift. Next, throw away the water and wash as usual using soap.
photo: YouTube/Azizah Muzamil
The last step, bake the mortar for a while. You can bake it on the stove for a few seconds on the top and bottom. Make sure both sides are baked so that the inside (pores) of the mortar are completely dry and mold does not grow easily again.
After baking, the mortar can be reused immediately because it is much cleaner. As a precaution, it is better to store the mortar in a dry place. Do not store the clay mortar in a humid area and condition, because this can potentially cause mold to grow back.