Carrara marble is one of the most valuable marbles in the world, appreciated since ancient times for its extraordinary beauty and versatility . This white stone, extracted from the quarries of the Apuan Alps, has given life to immortal works of art, from Michelangelo's masterpieces to the sculptures that adorn the most important Italian cathedrals. However, Carrara marble is not only synonymous with great architectural and artistic works ; it also finds a prominent place in everyday objects, among which the mortar stands out.
The mortar is an ancient tool, whose usefulness has spanned millennia. This utensil, used to crush and grind ingredients , has seen its maximum expression in the creation of Carrara marble, combining functionality and aesthetic beauty . The robustness and fineness of this marble allow us to obtain resistant, elegant mortars capable of enhancing the taste and properties of the processed ingredients.
Where does Carrara marble come from?
Carrara marble is the marble par excellence, with a geological history that dates back to millions of years ago, when the Apuan Alps region was covered by the sea. During this period, the sedimentation of calcium carbonate gave rise to limestone rocks , which over millions of years and through processes of metamorphism, transformed into the precious marble we know today.
The first traces of extraction of Carrara marble date back to Roman times. Already in the 1st century BC, the Romans had understood the value of this material, starting the construction of public buildings , temples, statues and monuments. During the medieval era, marble extraction continued, but it was during the Renaissance that Carrara reached its peak of fame. Artists such as Michelangelo Buonarroti personally chose blocks of marble from the Carrara quarries for their works, including the famous David .
The extraction process of Carrara marble has remained almost unchanged over the centuries. Traditional techniques involved using wooden wedges and hammers to separate the marble blocks from the mountain. These methods, although rudimentary, allowed high-quality marble blocks to be obtained. With the advent of modern technologies , the use of diamond wire saws and advanced machinery has made extraction more efficient, while keeping the quality of the marble intact.
The White Carrara Marble Mortar
The mortar is one of the oldest tools used by humanity and has always played a fundamental role in kitchens and laboratories around the world, used to crush, grind and mix ingredients. The choice of material for its construction is crucial to guarantee its functionality and durability over time . Among all the materials available, Carrara marble has established itself as one of the best choices, thanks to its unique characteristics .
Carrara marble is renowned for its robustness. A mortar made with this marble can last generations, resisting daily wear and tear without losing its properties. The hardness of the marble ensures that the mortar does not chip or break easily, even with heavy use.
Another advantage of the Carrara marble mortar is its weight. This feature gives the mortar great stability during use, preventing it from slipping or moving while crushing the ingredients. The solidity of the marble allows you to apply considerable force without risking damage to the instrument.
Carrara marble has a non-porous surface , which means it does not absorb liquids and odors. This is especially important in the kitchen, where the mortar is used to process a variety of ingredients, from herbs to spices . The non-porosity of marble also facilitates cleaning, preventing the formation of stains and the proliferation of bacteria.
In addition to its functional qualities, Carrara marble is aesthetically pleasing. Its smooth surface and white color with gray veins make it an object of beauty as well as utility. A Carrara marble mortar adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any kitchen. Furthermore, the Carrara marble mortar is extremely versatile: it can be used to prepare a wide range of dishes, from crushed herbs for sauces such as Genoese pesto , to spice blends, to crushing dried fruit and seeds.
How to clean the marble mortar
The Carrara marble mortar, thanks to its beauty and resistance , is a precious ally in the kitchen and an object of great value. To keep your mortar in perfect condition and ensure its longevity, it is essential to follow some simple but important cleaning and maintenance practices .
After using it for homemade pesto, immediately rinse the mortar and pestle with hot water. This helps remove food debris before it can dry and stick to the marble surface.
Use a neutral, non-abrasive cleaner to clean the mortar. Avoid harsh detergents, which could damage the marble surface. A liquid dish soap diluted in water is usually sufficient. If necessary, use a soft bristle brush to clean any caked-on residue. Avoid using abrasive sponges or metal pads that could scratch the marble .
Rinse the mortar and pestle thoroughly with hot water to remove any traces of cleaner. Dry with a soft, clean cloth to avoid the formation of streaks or water spots. To remove stubborn stains, you can make a paste of baking soda and water . Apply the paste to the stain, leave it on for a few hours and then rinse with hot water . Baking soda is gentle on marble but effective at removing stains .
Although white vinegar is effective in removing some stains, its use should be limited as the acidity can damage the marble . If you decide to use it, be sure to rinse immediately and thoroughly. Store the mortar in a dry environment and away from sources of humidity. Excessive humidity can cause stains and compromise the integrity of the marble.
