Home
A salt and pepper mill may be indispensable in the kitchen, but it can't handle every spice. While some spices easily grind into fine powders, others demand dedicated mills. This guide explores spices seamlessly ground in standard mills and those requiring extra care. Properly grinding each spice ensures maximum flavor and usability.
I. Easy to Grind
As the name suggests, the following spices can be easily ground:
Green Pepper
Green pepper is an unripe pepper berry native to India. It is used as a spice to add flavor to food. They taste fresh and slightly sour. Green peppercorns are a sophisticated accompaniment to more versatile foods such as fish, vegetables and chicken.
Green peppercorns go particularly well with fish, meat and vegetables. It enhances the taste, flavor and character of the food. A great use for green peppercorns is in fruity, fresh foods such as salads and sauces.
Black Pepper
Black pepper has a more robust aroma compared to white pepper, with a spicy undertone. It's perfect for cooking red meats and organ meats, such as the classic pairing with steak.
White Pepper
White pepper boasts a milder and clearer aroma compared to black pepper. Its stable and gentle fragrance makes it suitable for soups and stews.
Pink Pepper
Pink pepper, not true pepper, but the mature berries of the Brazilian or Peruvian pepper tree, offers a mild and slightly sweet flavor with a rich fruity note. However, it's quite spicy, often blended with black and green pepper. It enhances the saltinessand sweetness, making it suitable for citrus fruits, butter, cream, bacon, beef, chicken, and white fish.
Pepper Mix/Rainbow Pepper/Colorful Pepper
Vibrant mixes like rainbow pepper grind as easily as their components. Dress up dishes with color and added dimension.
Sea Salt
Apart from providing saltiness, sea salt also adds visual appeal to dishes. Its pure taste is ideal for various fish and meat dishes, enhancing the natural flavors without overpowering. Many chefs use it in bread, desserts, and more to achieve unique flavors.
Cumin Seeds
Cumin seeds, originating from the Mediterranean, are used in various bean dishes, soups, and stews, especially popular in Latin American and Indian cuisines. Ground cumin is also widely used, adding a unique flavor to grilled meats.
Fennel Seeds
Often oval-shaped and ranging from light green to brown, these seeds have a sweet licorice taste. They work particularly well with seafood and pork.
Oregano
Originally from Greece, oregano's sweet and aromatic flavor has made it popular worldwide. It pairs with various main dishes like lamb chops and pasta and can be mixed with olive oil, vinegar, and various condiments for dressings to complement salads, pizzas, and more.
Coriander Seeds
Widely used in Indian, Latin American, and Middle Eastern cuisines, coriander seeds lose most of their spiciness when ground, making them suitable for grinding yourself. They are often combined with other spices like cumin and fennel.
Anise Seeds
Anise seeds are similar to fennel seeds but have a slightly sweeter taste and are milder. In most cases, these two spices can be used interchangeably. Anise seeds are often added to stews, sausages, and various meat dishes to add flavor.
Mustard Seeds
Whole mustard seeds have a mild aromatic taste, which becomes more intense when ground. They are often used in Indian cuisine, particularly in curries and with seafood.
Parsley
Parsley serves not only as a garnish but also as a vegetable or spice, adding a unique herbal aroma. It's mild and non-irritating, suitable for making salad dressings or harmonizing with pasta, soups, and more, enhancing the flavor of your dishes.
Vanilla
Most vanilla now comes from Madagascar and is used in countless desserts and baked goods, from cakes and cookies to doughnuts. It's a versatile spice for adding sweet flavor to a variety of dishes.
Curry
Curry powder is a delightful spice made from various spices, allowing you to customize it according to your preference. It originated in India and is now popular worldwide. It is commonly used to make various soups and stews, but for those who love curry, it can be added to almost any dish.
Dill Seeds
Dill seeds have a taste reminiscent of fresh grass with a subtle, refreshing herbal flavor. Fresh dill, known for its unique taste and slender, elegant appearance, is often used as a garnish for dishes. However, dill seeds are better suited for baking and pickling because they release their aroma more when exposed to high temperatures.
Chili Flakes
Chili flakes, unlike other chili products, tend to be spicier when tasted directly. However, unlike chili powder, they are not the best choice for adding spiciness to an entire dish. They work better as a garnish or to introduce a different flavor, enhancing the overall texture of the dish. For instance, adding a pinch of chili flakes to a pizza is a good option.
II. Takes Some Effort to Grind
These spices can still be ground with a pepper grinder but require a little extra effort:
Himalayan Salt/Pink Rock Salt
Sourced from the Himalayan foothills, these pale pink crystals contain 84 trace minerals, including calcium and copper. With a mild, velvety taste, Himalayan Pink Salt is the perfect choice for enhancing meats like steak and adorning cocktail glass rims.
Garlic Flakes
Garlic is widely used, and garlic flakes are preferred for their ability to evenly release aroma in seasonings and dips. They are commonly used in baking bread or pizza and making various sauces.
Cinnamon Flakes
Cinnamon, harvested from the inner bark of tropical evergreen trees, is widely used as a spice and flavor enhancer in recipes for various culinary delights and pastries. Cinnamon flakes are commonly added to pastries like bread and cookies.
Crushed Nutmeg
Nutmeg blends well with other spices, making it a versatile addition. It's often used to season meats and enrich their flavors. However, it has a rich taste, so a little goes a long way. It's also sensitive to grinding and should be ground just before use to preserve its aroma.
Saffron
Saffron is commonly used in various rice dishes but is now also used in pastries and even milk. It has a slightly sweet taste and a unique aroma, so use it in moderation due to its dual role as a spice and a health supplement.
Allspice Berries
These versatile berries are used in the cooking and baking of many culinary delights worldwide, particularly in flavoring meat, sauces, and pastries. Their taste is a combination of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and they can be stored and used similarly.
Sichuan Pepper
Sichuan pepper, compared to other peppers, has a more numbing sensation and should be used after roasting to release its aroma. In Chinese recipes, it's best for stewing with various meats or adding to hot pots to enhance the spiciness and aroma. Nowadays, it can also be used to create various sauces mixed with salads and pasta.
III. Difficult to Grind (For emergency use only)
These spices are not recommended for grinding with a pepper grinder and are better suited to dedicated spice grinders:
Whole Chili
Whole chili can be added to stews or ground into powder and sprinkled on pineapple or mango for a unique flavor. It can also be used in various stir-fries, pasta, and desserts to explore different culinary experiences.
Cloves
Cloves have a slight spiciness and are typically used in meat pies or alongside various fruits and vegetables to complement their flavors. They are commonly added to ham to enhance its taste and texture, making them an excellent pairing.
Sesame
Unlike the other spices mentioned, sesame has a mild taste and a crunchy texture with nutty notes. It is sprinkled on various stir-fries, fruits, salads, adding aroma and enhancing dishes. Its crisp texture makes it irresistible.
Coffee Beans
While coffee beans are a daily staple, they are not suitable for standard pepper grinders. Most people prefer dedicated coffee grinders to grind coffee beans, not only for a more comfortable grinding experience but also to preserve the coffee's aroma for a more delicious brew.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed has a fresh and mild taste with a crunchy texture and nutty fragrance. It can enhance the flavor and texture of any dish. Additionally, it can replace breadcrumbs or thickeners to create delicious food.
Turmeric Flake
Turmeric, used as both a spice and a medicine, contains curcumin, which can prevent and improve various health conditions. It has a slightly bitter taste similar to that of curry, as it's an essential ingredient in curry blends. You can add ground turmeric flakes to your dishes and beverages for a unique flavor.
Cocoa Beans
Cocoa beans need no introduction as a common flavoring agent for making chocolates and bread. However, they should not be ground using a standard grinder, as they require specialized equipment.
We hope this guide helps you navigate the world of spices and choose the right grinder for each, ensuring your dishes are seasoned to perfection.
Post time: Nov-07-2023