 How to Use a Mortar and Pestle: 00 Steps (with Pictures Jul 00, 0000 · Items that are good to grind or crush in the mortar and pestle include peppercorns, spice seeds, herb seeds, fresh herb and spice leaves, rice, nuts, other plant seeds, hard candies, sea salt, and so on Anything used for baking or eating that can be crushed is likely to work in the mortar and pestle