Grinding

  • Whole spices can be ground in a small coffee grinder, small food processor, pepper grinder, or mortar and pestle. CAUTION: Allspice and cloves contain eugenol, a clove oil, that can damage plastic parts in machine.
  • To clean coffee grinder after use, add small amount of sugar and process. Discard sugar.

Toasting or Dry Roasting

Why?

  • This process can accentuate and round the taste and aroma of spices such as cumin, coriander, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, poppy seeds and sesame seeds.

How?

  • To toast, heat a heavy skillet over medium heat until hot. Add spice(s); toast 2 to 5 minutes or until spices are fragrant and lightly browned, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat.