{"product_id":"crushgrind-kiruna-pestle-mortar","title":"Crushgrind Kiruna Pestle \u0026 Mortar","description":"\u003c!-- === PRODUCT DESCRIPTION HTML === --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\nbody {\n  font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, sans-serif;\n  line-height: 1.6;\n  color: #333;\n  font-size: 16px;\n  margin: 0;\n  padding: 0;\n}\n\n.page-wrapper {\n  width: 100%;\n  margin: 0;\n  padding: 0;\n  box-sizing: border-box;\n}\n\nh2 {\n  color: #2c5530;\n  font-size: 22px;\n  margin-top: 20px;\n  margin-bottom: 15px;\n}\n\nh3 {\n  color: #2c5530;\n  font-size: 18px;\n  margin-top: 20px;\n  margin-bottom: 15px;\n}\n\nh4 {\n  color: #2c5530;\n  font-size: 16px;\n  margin-top: 15px;\n  margin-bottom: 10px;\n}\n\np {\n  margin-bottom: 15px;\n}\n\nul {\n  padding-left: 20px;\n  margin-bottom: 15px;\n}\n\nli {\n  margin: 8px 0;\n}\n\na {\n  color: #2c5530;\n  text-decoration: underline;\n}\n\n.tldr-box {\n  background: #f8f9fa;\n  border-left: 4px solid #2c5530;\n  padding: 15px;\n  border-radius: 5px;\n  margin-bottom: 15px;\n  box-sizing: border-box;\n  width: 100%;\n}\n\n.jump-links {\n  background: #e8f5e8;\n  border: 1px solid #2c5530;\n  padding: 15px;\n  border-radius: 5px;\n  text-align: center;\n  margin: 15px 0;\n  font-size: 14px;\n  box-sizing: border-box;\n  width: 100%;\n}\n\n.jump-links a {\n  margin: 0 8px;\n  white-space: nowrap;\n}\n\n.qa-box {\n  background: #f0f8ff;\n  border-left: 4px solid #4169E1;\n  padding: 15px;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  margin: 20px 0;\n  box-sizing: border-box;\n  width: 100%;\n}\n\n.specs-box {\n  background: #f8f9fa;\n  padding: 15px;\n  border-radius: 5px;\n  margin: 15px 0;\n  box-sizing: border-box;\n  width: 100%;\n}\n\n.trust-box {\n  background: #e8f5e8;\n  border: 1px solid #2c5530;\n  padding: 15px;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  margin: 15px 0;\n  box-sizing: border-box;\n  width: 100%;\n}\n\n.trust-box ul {\n  list-style: none;\n  padding-left: 0;\n}\n\n.trust-box li {\n  color: #2c5530;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  margin: 8px 0;\n}\n\n.care-box {\n  background: #f8f9fa;\n  padding: 15px;\n  border-radius: 5px;\n  margin: 15px 0;\n  box-sizing: border-box;\n  width: 100%;\n}\n\ndetails {\n  margin-bottom: 15px;\n  border: 1px solid #ddd;\n  border-radius: 5px;\n  padding: 15px;\n  box-sizing: border-box;\n  width: 100%;\n}\n\n.qa-box details {\n  border: 1px solid #4169E1;\n  background: white;\n}\n\nsummary {\n  font-weight: bold;\n  cursor: pointer;\n  color: #2c5530;\n  font-size: 16px;\n  padding: 5px 0;\n  min-height: 44px;\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n}\n\ndetails p {\n  margin-top: 10px;\n  margin-bottom: 0;\n  line-height: 1.6;\n}\n\n.spec-row {\n  padding: 8px 0;\n  border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\n}\n\n.spec-row:last-child {\n  border-bottom: none;\n}\n\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n  .jump-links {\n    font-size: 12px;\n  }\n\n  .jump-links a {\n    display: inline-block;\n    margin: 5px;\n  }\n\n  h2 {\n    font-size: 20px;\n  }\n\n  h3 {\n    font-size: 17px;\n  }\n}\n\n@media (min-width: 768px) {\n  h2 {\n    font-size: 28px;\n    margin-top: 30px;\n  }\n\n  h3 {\n    font-size: 22px;\n    margin-top: 25px;\n  }\n\n  h4 {\n    font-size: 18px;\n    margin-top: 20px;\n  }\n\n  .tldr-box,\n  .qa-box,\n  .specs-box,\n  .trust-box,\n  .care-box {\n    padding: 20px;\n  }\n\n  .qa-box {\n    margin: 25px 0;\n  }\n\n  .trust-box {\n    margin: 20px 0;\n  }\n}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"page-wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tldr-box\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Overview:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Crushgrind Kiruna is a 10cm cast iron mortar and pestle with a precision-patterned interior, acacia wood handle, and non-slip silicone base, designed specifically for dry spices.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"jump-links\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJump to:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"#qa\"\u003eQ\u0026amp;A\u003c\/a\u003e | \u003ca href=\"#specs\"\u003eSpecs\u003c\/a\u003e | \u003ca href=\"#care\"\u003eCare \u0026amp; Use\u003c\/a\u003e | \u003ca href=\"#guarantees\"\u003eGuarantees\u003c\/a\u003e | \u003ca href=\"#faq\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCrushgrind Kiruna Dry Spice Mortar and Pestle\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Kiruna is a cast iron mortar and pestle designed specifically for dry spice grinding. The 10cm bowl features a precision-patterned curved interior - the texture does the work, giving you real grip on whole spices without requiring much effort or pressure. The acacia wood handle is a practical detail as much as an aesthetic one: it stays cool and comfortable to hold, and keeps the overall look a step above the standard unhandled mortar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA non-slip silicone base keeps the mortar steady on the worktop during use, which matters more with cast iron than with lighter materials - there is real weight here, and that weight is part of what makes it effective. The pestle is included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKey features include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrecision-patterned curved interior:\u003c\/strong\u003e Textured surface for efficient dry spice grinding with minimal effort\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCast iron construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Durable and weighty, providing stability and grinding effectiveness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAcacia wood handle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ergonomic and heat-resistant, adding practical comfort and visual warmth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNon-slip silicone base:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keeps the mortar stable on the worktop during use and protects surfaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e10cm diameter bowl:\u003c\/strong\u003e A practical working size for everyday spice quantities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePestle included:\u003c\/strong\u003e Complete set, ready to use after the initial curing process\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDry spices only:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed and optimised for dried whole spices - not suitable for wet pastes or fresh ingredients\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Kiruna suits keen cooks who use whole spices regularly and want a mortar that is built for the task rather than a decorative afterthought.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"qa-box\" id=\"qa\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Customers Ask About the Crushgrind Kiruna Mortar and Pestle\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhy is this described as \"dry spices only\"? Can't I use it for a curry paste?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCast iron is not the right material for wet grinding. Moisture accelerates rust on cast iron, and wet pastes - which typically contain oil, fresh garlic, ginger, or chillies - will work their way into the porous surface of the metal and are very difficult to clean out fully. For wet pastes, a granite or stone mortar is a better choice. The Kiruna excels at what it is designed for: cumin seeds, coriander, dried chilli flakes, whole peppercorns, and similar dry ingredients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhy do I need to cure it before first use?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNew cast iron mortars can carry residual metallic dust from the manufacturing process. Curing with rice - grinding a small amount of uncooked rice until the grains come out clean - removes this residue before you use it with food. It is a standard step with raw cast iron and takes only a few minutes. Full curing instructions are in the Care section below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eIs 10cm a practical size for everyday use?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 10cm bowl is a solid working size for most everyday spice quantities - enough to grind a teaspoon or two of whole spices comfortably without ingredients escaping over the sides. If you regularly grind large batches of spice blends, you may find a larger mortar more convenient, but for day-to-day cooking the 10cm Kiruna is well suited to the task.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat is the acacia wood handle for - is it purely decorative?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has a genuine functional purpose. An unhandled cast iron mortar can be awkward to reposition mid-grind, particularly when the bowl is heavy with spices. The acacia handle gives you a secure, comfortable grip for tilting and steadying the mortar without touching the hot or dusty cast iron body directly. It also stays at room temperature during use, unlike the cast iron itself which can absorb ambient heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eCan I use this for salt?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can, but it requires extra care. Salt is highly corrosive to cast iron and will accelerate rust if left in contact with the surface. If you grind salt in the Kiruna, clean it thoroughly straight afterwards, dry it completely, and rub the interior lightly with cooking oil before storing. For regular salt grinding, a ceramic or granite mortar may be more practical for long-term maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eIs the pestle also cast iron?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe product materials are listed as cast iron and wood, and the pestle is included in the set. Crushgrind specifically advise against grinding metal against metal, which suggests the pestle surface that contacts the bowl is not bare cast iron - but if you need precise confirmation of pestle materials before purchasing, please contact us and we will check with the supplier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"specs-box\" id=\"specs\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Crushgrind\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDesign:\u003c\/strong\u003e Crushgrind \/ Sam Murley\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiameter:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10cm\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cast iron with acacia wood handle\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Non-slip silicone\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dry spices only\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wet ingredients, pastes, fresh herbs\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncludes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mortar and pestle\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDishwasher safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"trust-box\" id=\"guarantees\"\u003e\n\u003ch4 style=\"margin-top: 0; color: #2c5530; font-size: 18px;\"\u003eWhy Buy From Art of Living?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFounded in Reigate in 1972, we've spent over five decades helping customers choose quality kitchen equipment. We've been twice nominated for the Excellence in Housewares award for customer care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 style=\"color: #2c5530; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 15px;\"\u003eOur Guarantees to You\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e✓ No Quibble Returns - Even Used Items\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e✓ Half-Price Accidental Damage Replacement (2 Years)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e✓ Price Match Guarantee\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: #2c5530; text-decoration: underline; font-weight: 500;\" href=\"https:\/\/aolcookshop.co.uk\/pages\/guarantee\"\u003eRead our full guarantee policy →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuestions?\u003c\/strong\u003e Visit our \u003ca style=\"color: #2c5530; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/aolcookshop.co.uk\/pages\/contact\"\u003econtact page\u003c\/a\u003e or call us on +44 1737 222996\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"care-box\" id=\"care\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare \u0026amp; Use Instructions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBefore first use - curing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grind half a teaspoon of uncooked rice in the mortar until the grains come out clean. This removes any residual manufacturing dust from the cast iron surface. Empty the rice, then scrub the mortar and pestle with warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before use. Do not skip this step.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDuring use:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use with dry spices only. Do not grind wet ingredients, fresh herbs, or pastes. Do not use metal utensils in the mortar, and avoid grinding metal against metal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCleaning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Do not place in the dishwasher and do not submerge in water for prolonged periods. After use, wipe out any spice residue, then clean with warm water and a brush. Dry the mortar completely and promptly - cast iron will rust if left damp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAfter grinding salt:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clean the mortar thoroughly straight after use, as salt is corrosive to cast iron. Dry fully and rub the interior lightly with a small amount of cooking oil before storing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOngoing maintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store in a dry area away from moisture, steam, and direct sunlight. After cleaning, a light rub of cooking oil on the interior will help maintain the surface and prevent rust over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to avoid:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moisture, steam, dishwashers, metal utensils, wet ingredients, and direct sunlight during storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"faq\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat if I've used it and don't like it?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReturn it anyway. Our no quibble guarantee covers used items - if it doesn't do what you wanted, we'll refund you. This applies even after you've used it in the kitchen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eValid for 2 years from purchase date. If you accidentally damage the mortar or pestle, we'll replace it at half the current retail price with proof of purchase and evidence of damage. Photos of the damage are acceptable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow long does delivery take?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStandard delivery to mainland UK addresses can take up to 7 working days, but is usually 3-4, and is free for orders over £49. Next day delivery may be available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. You can also collect from our shops in Cobham or Reigate, or our warehouse in Redhill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eI've seen rust spots appear on my cast iron mortar - what should I do?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurface rust on cast iron can usually be addressed by scrubbing with a stiff brush and a small amount of coarse salt, rinsing, drying completely, and rubbing the affected area with cooking oil. Rust typically occurs when the mortar has been left damp or stored in a humid environment. If you are concerned about the extent of the rust, contact us and we can advise further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWill this price match against other retailers?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. If you've seen the identical Crushgrind Kiruna mortar and pestle cheaper elsewhere, let us know. If it's in stock with our competitor on the day you contact us, we'll match the price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"CrushGrind","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56750197932410,"sku":"071147","price":39.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0072\/1875\/7690\/files\/crush-grind-kiruna-pestle-and-mortar-7733065.jpg?v=1775812518","url":"https:\/\/aolcookshop.co.uk\/products\/crushgrind-kiruna-pestle-mortar","provider":"Art of Living Cookshop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}