How to Use an Herbal Grinder

For centuries, dried herbs were ground using a mortar and pestle. Today, herbal grinders are available in many styles for grinding dried herbs and spices. The basic grinder is a four-part mechanism. The first two sections perform the grinding process, using sharp blades or teeth. The ground herbs filter down through holes in the second section and collect in the third section above a fine screen. Pollen sifts through the screen and is gathered in the fourth part of the grinder unit. Herb grinders offer an efficient way to process dried herbs for culinary and aromatherapy use.

Things You'll Need

• Herb grinder
• Dried herbs or spices
• Airtight container

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Remove the lid or top portion of the herb grinder.

   • 2

     Place your dried herb or spice on the exposed blades of the second section, following the grinder manufacturer's instructions.

   • 3

     Replace the lid and rotate it five or six times in each direction. Remove the grinder lid to see if all herbal material has been ground. Continue rotating the lid several times in each direction if herbs need more grinding.

   • 4

     Shake the container slightly to settle the ground herbs before opening the grinder.

   • 5

     Twist the second and third sections to open the grinder. Pour the ground herbs into an airtight container.