About Salt and Pepper Grinders
All you need to know about grinders and mills to make the best choice for your needs.
Salt and pepper grinders
So many recipes require salt and pepper these days that to be able to create “freshly ground” means that, use correctly, it should improve the taste and aroma of the food we eat.
You only have to compare the taste of pepper that’s freshly ground and some finely ground pepper in a jar that’s been hanging around for ages. There’s a world of difference and after experiencing the difference there’s no going back unless you run out of peppercorns.
Pepper
Ground peppercorns are used in the preparation of many dishes as a preservative and have been used for many centuries for their medicinal value. Peppercorns are often used to spice up salamis or sausages. The finer pepper is ground the more heat it releases so to achieve a subtle taste it is best to lightly crush the peppercorns in order to release the fragrant aroma.
They are also sometimes added whole to stews and soups or used as part of a bouquet garni. Cracked peppercorns can be used in creamy sauces or to coat steaks or chicken breasts.
Sea Salt
Sea salt is harvested from seawater through evaporation whereas table salt is normally from rock salt, that comes out of the ground as mineral deposits.
A lot of people prefer the taste of sea salt because it is generally considered to have a more subtle flavor. Table salt contains iodine and other additives whereas sea salt doesn’t.
Grinders and Mills
Salt and Pepper grinders and mills come in all shapes, sizes and colours and are usually made of wood, plastic, metal or glass, however some of the more expensive grinders may be made of other materials. They usually contain two metal wheels inside through which the peppercorns are crushed as the top and bottom parts are turned.
Manual and battery operated mills and grinders are available and the fineness of the ground salt and pepper may also be adjusted to taste.
Pepper grinders are similar to coffee grinders but are on a smaller scale making it possible to be used at the table. These grinders and mills can also be used for spices. They make great gifts and cover a broad range of cost and quality from the basic to the luxurious designer models.
Choosing a Pepper Grinder
When choosing salt and pepper grinders you may wish to ask yourself, is it for practical use in the kitchen where a large capacity would be useful and looks not so important. Is it for the dining table where style and looks play the major role and size, colour and design come in to play. Or is it for general purposes – the kitchen and dining room where all considerations are important.
Some people collect mills, grinders and shakers and there is such a large assortment from which to choose including antique shakers that are very collectible items.
A Few Tips
You may wish to have a grinder that adjusts to fine, medium or course grains depending the food you are preparing.
Electric grinders are excellent for the elderly or anyone who prefers to save on wrist energy.
A very tall grinder may not be the best size to stand on the dining table but good fun if you want to be like the busy waiter who goes around sprinkling pepper on peoples food at a posh restaurant.
See also: salt and pepper pots
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