Grinding your own spices at home can enhance the flavor and aroma of your food, and can be a fun and satisfying cooking experience. Some spices simply deliver more flavor and aroma when they are freshly ground and then used shortly thereafter.
Here are some of the top spices that are worth grinding at home and what you can use to grind them:
- Peppercorns: Whole peppercorns have a fresher, more complex flavor than pre-ground pepper. Grinding them yourself allows you to control the coarseness of the grind and release more of the essential oils that give pepper its flavor.
How to grind peppercorns: While you can use a grinder for this job, you can also use a pepper mill given that you really only need to add small amounts of pepper each time it’s required. That way, the remaining peppercorns remain whole until they are needed. - Cumin: Whole cumin seeds have a stronger, more fragrant aroma than pre-ground cumin.
Grinding them yourself allows you to use them in their freshest form and get the maximum flavor.
How to grind cumin: Use an electric grinder. You have the option of grinding cumin as is or first toasting the seeds and then grinding them. - Coriander: Whole coriander seeds have a sweeter and more aromatic flavor than pre-ground coriander. Grinding coriander yourself allows you to release the oils that give the seed its flavor and aroma.
How to grind coriander: First roast the coriander seeds. Once they’ve cooled, use a grinder or blender if you must. - Cardamom: Whole cardamom pods have a fresher, more complex flavor than pre-ground cardamom. Grinding them yourself allows you to release the essential oils and get the maximum flavor.
How to grind cardamom: Open the cardamom pods either with a pestle or garlic press and remove the seeds. You can use a grinder or blender or short of that, a mortar and pestle to crush the seeds to dust. - Mustard seeds: Whole mustard seeds have a more intense and complex flavor than pre-ground mustard. Grinding them yourself allows you to use them in their freshest form and get the maximum flavor.
How to grind mustard seeds: The ideal way to crush mustard seeds is in a grinder and short of that, a blender. You can also use a mortar and pestle if required. - Fenugreek seeds: Whole fenugreek seeds are consumed by some people for both health and cooking benefits. You can also grind it into powder form for your food dishes when required.
How to grind fenugreek seeds: Whole fenugreek seeds can be ground with a spice or coffee grinder for best results or by hand with a mortar and pestle.