Fresh-ground pepper tastes entirely different from the kind you buy pre-ground. It’s spicier, more aromatic, and in a word, better. The same can be said of ground sea salt. Although the grinding process doesn’t affect salt’s flavor as much as pepper, using a salt mill will allow you to integrate sea salt into your cooking by making it smaller. Sea salt is much more flavorful than the traditional table salt that comes in small granules.
No matter how simple salt and pepper grinders may be, they’ll make a world of difference in your food. Follow the tips below to have the best salt and pepper possible.
Tip #1: Only keep a little pepper in your mill.
If you don’t use pepper very often, only fill your grinder partially. Most people don’t know that pepper can go stale. It won’t taste its best if left in a grinder for months. Store your peppercorns in an airtight container somewhere cool and dark. Add them to your grinder only when necessary. For salt, there’s no limit on the amount of product you can keep out. You don’t have to worry about salt going bad if left in the grinder for too long.
Tip #2: Avoid cleaning in water.
Don’t try to clean your salt or pepper mill in water, especially if they are made of wood. Instead, clean with a small brush and wipe the surface with window cleaner. Never put your salt or pepper mill in the dishwasher.
Tip #3: Keep the salt in the salt mill.
Don’t try to buy a pepper mill for your salt. Salt mills are specially designed for sea salts. If placed in pepper mills, salt can corrode the internal steel mechanism and may clog the grinding system.
Tip #4: Only fill with dry salt.
Only dry salt should be used in a salt mill. Damp salt will clog the grinder, unless you have a mill designed for sea salt.
Tip #5: Adjust for different grinds.
Every good salt or pepper mill will have a way to adjust the size of the grind. You can usually do this by turning the screw on top of the grinder. You can always adjust to a coarser grind, but if you want finer salt or pepper, you will have to empty the mill first.
Tip #6: Pay attention to pepper color.
Black and white peppercorns are small and easy to grind. However, green and pink ones are a bit bigger. These peppercorns can clog your mill if you aren’t careful. Never try to grind pink or green pepper alone. Instead, mix these peppercorns in with standard black or white pepper.
Tip #7: Buy as a pair.
Some companies sell salt and pepper mills together. This is a good option because the grinder will match. If you aren’t as concerned about a salt grinder, you could also purchase a salt shaker and pepper mill combo. This design is convenient because it keeps both spices together.