Can the 3-cup mortar be used to grind SMALL quantities ( a tablespoon or less) of dry spices like pepper for pasta / sauce etc.?
151861
Yeah, it can handle any size herb. Pounds quite easily. The only negative is the size of this model. It is soooo heavy which can make you think twice before using it, and realizing that you'll have to pick it up and clean it. I am thinking of buying a smaller model as well for the spices. They are beautifully made, works of art almost.
674567
I would say yes, but if you do pepper and spices I would keep it that way. It is not easy to completely clean if you were to then try grinding coffee.
516278
The mortar and pestle is meant for grinding spices, not making salsa or other wet ingredients. You should use something else for that.
2029294
I don't think that would work. Stick to coarse salt, peppercorns and small whole spices
2258497
I have two of these grinders. I use one to grind fennel seed, and the other one I keep free to use on various spices and herbs. There is a crushing action in the way that the ceramic blade works, and that may be why the maker named the product "crushgrind". However, I think it is an excellent grinder for dry, whole spices or peppercorns. For true crushing action I use my mortar and pestle. I hope this helps answer your question.
1790712
Yes. The surface is smooth enough for this purpose, and the size is perfect for that. This is a great little mortar and pestle for herbal preparation purposes (whether powdering leaves, grinding seeds or crushing pills) if you're doing it for home use purposes. Probably want the next size up if you're making even small home business quantities. It's easy to clean and very attractive. Not something you feel like you need to hide when guests re over.
540333
It will handle a large enough quantity of nuts just fine. It's really not designed to grind smaller amounts. You're better off with a coffee grinder for flax seeds and quantities of nuts and spices up to approx. 2 tablespoons. 1/4 cup may need to be done in 2 batches.
577215
I don't think coffee burr grinders are good for spices, for a couple of reasons. First, spices need to be ground much, much finer than coffee. Second, there's no easy way to clean the oils from one spice out of the grinder before doing a different spice. I think a spinning blade grinder is much more appropriate for spices. Or get a burr grinder that is made for spices (ie, a pepper mill), which has a finer burr.
450240
You can but if that's all you'll ever be using it for you may just want to get a smaller capacity grinder. That said, it's a really good grinder. I've had mine several years now and it still works great.
1687166
I think YS answered the question very well. I bought the grinder to grind dried Serrano peppers I keep in the kitchen. It does not work for these peppers but looks nice on my black stove.
113210
I think it could be. There are three sizes of holes so you would be able to adjust the amount easily. I have several and use one for kosher salt and one for coarse ground pepper so the size of the holes would be about right.
853491
coarse coffee for sure, other spices etc. not too sure about but would be hard to get a uniform grind I think.
1451035
while you probably could use this to grind spices it would be very difficult for you to clean making it not that useful for spices. I'm not sure you could grind cinnamon sticks in it at all
1596184
The answer is "YES", using the espresso setting. I would not recommend using the same grinder for both coffee AND spices, as the different flavors may have an unpleasant effect on one another.
1318401
im pretty sure you can use a grinder or mortar and pestle, etc to pulverize it and you can also put it in capsules, so yes
1401815
I have not used it to grind ancho peppers, but I have used it to grind toasted sesame seed. I often ground toasted sesame seed into a powder and use as a condiment on some of my West African dishes. It works well for that.
682296
The Grinder is adjustable at the bottom for how fine you want it to grind. If you want the peppercorns just cracked slightly I doubt it would do that. If you want it as flakes rather than powder it will do that. Help this helps.