Before using your Ammikal for daily tasks, it requires a simple preparation process called seasoning. This step smooths out the stone, removing any accumulated dust and excess particles, and prepares it for efficient grinding. In this blog, we will guide you through the easy steps to season your Ammikal.
Why is seasoning an Ammikal important?
Seasoning is a crucial step in preparing your Ammikal for effective and efficient use. Here's why:
- Prevents stone dust
- Prepares a clean surface for grinding
- Enhances grinding efficiency
- Extends the lifespan of your Ammikal
Let's dive into the seasoning steps to prepare your Ammikal for optimal performance.
Here are the 9 simple Step-by-Step Seasoning Process:
STEP 1: Wash and scrub with coconut fiber First, wash the Ammikal with water to remove any residue from its surface. Then, use coconut fiber to scrub the Ammikal, which effectively cleans and maintains its surface without causing any damage.
STEP 2:Dry the Ammikal After washing, dry the Ammikal completely, either by placing it in direct sunlight for 5 to 10 minutes or wiping it with a dry cloth. This ensures a clean, moisture-free surface for the seasoning process.
STEP 3. Use mat and towel underneath the Ammikal Place the Ammikal on a mat or towel to prevent it from shaking or moving around during the grinding process. This will help keep the Ammikal stable and ensure a smoother operation.
Before moving to the next step, you need to understand the two methods of grinding that will be used in the upcoming steps and their purposes:
- DRY GRINDING Dry grinding helps to remove dust particles from the surface of the mortar and pestle area.
- WET GRINDING Wet grinding helps to remove any dust particles from inside the pores of both the mortar and pestle area.
STEP 4. Dry Grinding Now, place the handful of raw rice in the center of the mortar. And then start grinding the raw rice using the pestle in a circular motion(Front to back). Continue grinding until the raw rice transforms into a fine powder. Ensure that you cover the entire mortar and pestle area evenly, distributing the powder uniformly.
STEP 5. Wipe off the Powder Wipe off the powder gently using your hand. You'll notice the dust is removed along with the powder. This ensures that the dust from the surface of the Ammikal is removed.
STEP 6. Wet Grinding Again, place a handful of raw rice in the center of the mortar. Add water little by little while grinding. Use the pestle to grind the rice in a circular motion(Front to back). Keep grinding until the rice turns into a fine paste. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the mortar and pestle evenly.
STEP 7. Wipe off the paste Wipe off the raw rice paste using your hand. The color change of the raw rice paste confirms that the dust in the pores of the Ammikal has been removed.
STEP 8. Clean and dry again Finally, clean and dry the Ammikal thoroughly to remove any remaining residue and moisture.
STEP 9: Check and Repeat If you still see dust in the Ammikal, repeat Step 4 to 8 until the rice powder or paste is clear and dust-free. This ensures the Ammikal is clean and ready to use.
Do you want to see the seasoning process in action?
Tips and Reminders:
- Use raw rice for seasoning
- Repeat the above 9 steps one more time if dust is still present
- Store your Ammikal in a dry place to prevent moisture damage
By following these simple steps, you'll be able to enjoy your traditional Ammikal for years to come. Happy grinding.