Spice Grinder

Grinding your own whole spices is the best way to maximize the flavors of whatever spices you're using. Spices get much of their flavor from volatile oils, which begin to evaporate as soon as the spice is ground. The freshest, most intense flavor you will ever get from a spice is by grinding it right before you use it. A simple blade grinder is sufficient for grinding most spices. A mortar and pestle can also be used, but is considerably more labor intensive. I recommend everyone have a dedicated spice grinder.