PC chutney on Silbatta is completely different from the chutney made in mixer? Know why and how

Silbatta or mixer

Krishi Dunia

• 30 Dec, 2024 11:30 AM IST ,
• Updated Mon, 30 Dec 2024 12:30 PM

Chutney is an integral part of Indian cuisine. Not only does it make our meals more flavorful, but it also offers several nutritional benefits. There are two primary ways to make chutney: using a stone grinder (silbatta) and a mixer grinder. The chutney made from these two methods differs in flavor, texture, and nutritional value. In this blog, we will discuss the process, benefits, and drawbacks of making chutney with a stone grinder and a mixer.

Chutney Made with a Stone Grinder: A Traditional Method:

1. Process and Effort:
   A stone grinder is a traditional tool made of stone. The chutney is ground by rubbing and grinding the ingredients. This process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, but it offers numerous benefits. The ingredients gradually break down, allowing all the flavors and nutrients to blend perfectly.
2. Depth of Flavor:
   Chutney made in a stone grinder has a deeper, richer flavor. The grinding process allows the natural oils and juices of the ingredients to slowly release, enhancing the chutney’s taste.
3. Increased Nutrition:
   During the grinding process, tiny particles of stone may mix into the chutney. These particles contain minerals, micronutrients, and trace minerals that are beneficial for our health.
4. Control of Temperature:
   Grinding chutney in a stone grinder generates little heat, which helps preserve the nutrients and volatile oils in the ingredients. These oils not only enhance the flavor but also provide health benefits.

Chutney Made with a Mixer: The Modern Convenience:

1. Ease of Process:
   Using a mixer grinder is quick and easy in today's fast-paced world. The chutney can be prepared within minutes by simply adding the ingredients and pressing a button. It requires minimal effort and time.
2. Lighter Flavor:
   The chutney made in a mixer grinder tends to have a lighter flavor. Since there is no rubbing and grinding process, the natural oils and juices of the ingredients don't fully release, leading to a milder taste compared to stone grinder chutney.
3. Reduced Nutrition:
   The high-speed blades of a mixer grinder generate heat, which can cause the loss of some nutrients and volatile oils. This may result in a slight decrease in the nutritional value of the chutney.
4. Time-Saving:
   While a mixer grinder saves time, it cannot replicate the traditional flavor and nutrition that a stone grinder offers.

Stone Grinder: A Glimpse of Tradition:

1. An Integral Part of Rural Life:
   The stone grinder has been an essential tool in Indian rural life. In the past, every household used a stone grinder, not only for making chutney but also for grinding spices and other ingredients.
2. The Elderly's Preference:
   Even today, many elderly people prefer using a stone grinder. According to them, chutney ground on a stone grinder tastes better than one made in a mixer. Their experiences and traditional knowledge teach us that slow, natural processes often yield better results.
3. Environmentally Friendly:
   The stone grinder is an eco-friendly tool. It doesn’t require electricity and has a long lifespan, making it an example of sustainable use of natural resources.

Stone Grinder vs. Mixer Grinder: Which is Better?

Conclusion: Both the stone grinder and the mixer grinder have their own advantages and disadvantages. The stone grinder preserves traditional flavor and nutrition, while the mixer grinder represents modern convenience and time-saving. However, if you seek traditional taste and better nutrition in your food, using a stone grinder may be the better option. On the other hand, when time is of the essence, a mixer grinder provides a practical solution.

This modern era, it is important to ensure that we do not completely forget our traditional methods and tools. The stone grinder is not just a tool, but a part of our culture and heritage. By adopting it, we can not only make our food tastier but also benefit our health and the environment.