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Finding a truly quality pepper grinder is not at all simple. The ones you commonly buy in stores usually aren’t worth much and break soon. Then there are grinders for professional chefs. But for those you usually have to reach deep into your pocket, and it’s often not worth it. Freshly ground pepper, meanwhile, is something that will take your kitchen a step further. Don’t give up! We have a guide for you on how to make your own at home that is much better than those from the store.
Turn an ordinary grinder into an indispensable helper
Go to the store and buy an ordinary pepper grinder. You don’t have to opt for wood or any special metal materials. You can fully manage with the cheapest version, where the grinder is made of plastic and glass or just plastic. What will you need next?
- very hot water
- a mug or bowl
- pepper
- a towel
Pour hot water into the mug or bowl and immerse the grinder so that its mechanism is completely under the water. Hold it in this position for several seconds. Take the grinder out and carefully remove the mechanism from the grinder. Wrap it in a towel and gently unscrew it. Let the grinder dry and pour fresh peppercorns inside. Carefully close it by applying gentle pressure.
Don’t stop at just the classic
Have you ever tried a pepper other than just black pepper? That one is a known and proven classic, but it’s certainly not the only pepper in the world. In Thai cuisine you most often encounter white pepper, which isn’t as strong. The Chinese, on the other hand, favor Sichuan pepper, which has an exotic and citrus aroma. Next time you go shopping, look for other varieties and season your food with them.
And if you get bored with pepper, you can fill the grinder with so-called chili flakes, i.e. finely chopped dried chili peppers that are sold with the seeds. They will give your food a better taste than classic ground chili. There’s no limit to imagination.
