Grinding Spices at Home for Fresh Flavour

How To Grind Spices

You can grind your own spices using an electric spice grinder, blender, food processor or coffee grinder. There are also several manual methods for grinding spices by hand.

These methods include using a mortar and pestle, rasp grater and even a rolling pin. When choosing your method, consider the materials you have on hand, the type and size of spices you're working with, the amount of spices you need ground and your desired consistency.

What You'll Need

• Cast iron or stainless steel pan

• Whole spices of your choice

• Spatula or wooden spoon

• Method for grinding (electric spice grinder, blender, food processor or food chopper or a mortar and pestle)

Step 1: Toast Spices

Toasting spices will accentuate the flavour profile, creating a fuller depth of flavour, as well as help bring out the natural aromas of the essential oils in the spices. Toast your spices just before using to better savour the heightened concentration of flavours, especially when making seasoned rice.

Place first spice in a dry cast iron skillet or stainless steel pan.

• Toast spices separately to avoid burning—different spices require different amounts of time to toast
• Spread spices thinly and evenly over the surface of the pan, avoiding clumps

Heat pan over low to medium heat

• Avoid high temperatures to prevent burning
• Be sure the pan is completely dry

Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir spices to avoid burning an allow for even heating

• Spices are done toasting once you can smell them or notice a slight darkening/colour change
• Leave spices toasting for only a few minutes
• If you see smoking, this is a sign the spices are burning

Remove from heat and let cool completely

• Transfer toasted spices immediately to a glass dish or bowl

Repeat with additional spices

Step 2: Grind Spices

When grinding spices, you can use small benchtop appliances from KitchenAid brand like an electric grinder, blender, food processor or food chopper. Spices can also be ground manually.

Grind Spices By Hand

If grinding manually, the most common way is with a mortar and pestle

• Add your amount of spices to mortar, filling only 1/3 full of spices for best results

• Hold the pestle with your dominant hand and the mortar with your opposite hand

• "Pound and swirl" the spices with firm pressure as you press spices against the bottom and sides of the mortar
• Continue this pounding and crushing motion until the spices are ground to your desired texture

This method of crushing spices manually can be achieved similarly using a rolling pin or meat tenderiser mallet if you don't have a mortar and pestle.

Use A Food Processor Or Blender

Add your desired amount of spices

• If your appliance has a "grind" setting, use this option, if not, a medium speed setting works well

Using the appropriate setting, process the spices in increments of about 15 to 30 seconds depending on the size of spice and desired consistency

• Avoid using the pulse setting for more efficient, uniform grinding

Open the lid, stir the spices and check consistency

• If necessary, repeat the process until you achieve the desired result
• Keep in mind this method may take longer since it's a larger appliance with a larger blade than a small grinder

• Place ground spices into an airtight container or use immediately

Use Or Store Your Fresh Ground Spices

Freshly ground spices are best stored immediately after grinding in an airtight glass container that is ideally opaque or dark in colour to protect the spices from sunlight. Label your spices or spice blends for easy identification. Dating each container is also helpful so you know when spices are past their prime.

Keep fresh ground spices stored in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat like a stovetop, like the pantry or a cupboard. Spices can be stored in the freezer, but this should only be used for long-term storage and not for spices that are used on a regular basis.

When you're ready to use your ground spices, open your container and use a dry spoon to measure out the amount you need. If you store spices in a shaker, avoid shaking the jar over a hot pan, as moisture can seep into the container and cause clumping. If stored properly, most spices will stay fresh anywhere from one to four years. Unsure of their freshness? Take some of the ground spice in the palm of your hand and rub them around or crush a bit between two fingers. You should be able to easily detect the aroma of the spice. If the smell or taste of the spice is weak, it may be time to toss the batch.

Is Grinding Your Own Spices Better?

Grinding fresh spices results in a more robust flavour in your dish. Although it takes a little more time than the pre-ground options, this flavour boost is completely worth the effort.

As soon as whole spices are ground, they come into contact with light and air, which can cause them to start to degrade. They begin to lose their natural oils, which are a major source of flavour. However, if you have certain spices that you use frequently, you should grind a small amount ahead of time and store them in airtight containers. For freshest results, try to only grind as much as you'll use in two weeks to avoid loss of flavour. 

Is Grinding Spices Worth It?

Grinding whole spices yourself can transform your dishes with flavours and aromas you haven't experienced.

While pre-ground spices may only maintain their flavour and potency for about six months, whole spices can maintain their potency for years. Grinding them fresh in an electric grinder, mortar and pestle, or spice mill allows them to keep their maximum flavour exactly when you want it for your latest culinary creation.