Homemade Spice Grinder

You can convert a solid wood fruit bowl to a spice grinder.

You can assemble a homemade spice grinder in just a few minutes using some common household items. Grinding whole spices before they are added to a dish releases their essential oils and robust flavors. Freshly grind and combine your favorite spices to create a custom mix. This spicing technique is used by chefs around the world to keep each individual spice flavor fresh and bright in the blend. Season your food to perfection with freshly ground spices from your homemade spice grinder.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber or silicone mat
• Heavy solid wood bowl
• Round stone
• Plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Cover a stable flat surface such as a kitchen counter or table with a rubber or silicone mat.

2. Place a heavy, solid wood bowl in the center of the rubber or silicone mat.

3. Cover a clean, round stone (three to four inches in diameter) and the interior of the wooden bowl with two layers of plastic wrap.

4. Pour the whole spices into the covered bowl and use the plastic-coated stone to grind them by pressing down firmly and twisting. Gently shake the bowl to roll the whole spices to the center as you continue to grind to the needed consistency.

5. Remove and replace the plastic wrap on the bowl and the stone when creating a new spice blend.

Tips & Warnings

• Toasting whole spices in a hot pan for a few seconds before grinding them brings out stronger and more complex flavors in the spice.

• Thin wooden bowls made of glued-together wood particles will break under the pressure of the stone and should not be used as a grinder.

References

• Asian Online Recipes: Mortar and Pestle