When it comes to cooking with spices, choosing the right tool can be just as important as choosing the right ingredient. Whether you’re coaxing out the bold aroma of toasted cumin, adding a burst of heat with dried chilli, or finishing a salad with a touch of dried oregano—how you prepare and apply your spice matters.

At Cole & Mason, we offer three distinct tools to help you unlock the full flavour of your seasonings: the traditional pestle & mortar, the precision electric spice mill, and versatile seasoning shakers. Here’s how each can elevate your cooking.

Pestle & Mortar:

Tradition and Control in Your Hands

There’s something deeply satisfying about grinding spices by hand. A pestle & mortar isn’t just a kitchen tool - it’s a ritual. From the stone molcajetes of Mexico to marble mortars used in Italian pesto making, this method has spanned cultures and centuries for good reason.

Best for:

• Whole spices like coriander seeds, cumin, fennel, cardamom, peppercorns
• Fresh pastes like curry bases, pesto, chimichurri, harissa
• Small-batch spice blends or rubs

Cuisines to Explore:

• Indian: Crush cumin, mustard, and coriander seeds for curry bases
• Thai: Pound garlic, chilli, and lemongrass for curry pastes
• Mediterranean: Make pesto or aioli from scratch

Pros:

• Complete control over texture - from coarse to powder
• Releases essential oils slowly for deeper flavour
• Perfect for small, fresh spice blends and pastes

Cons:

• Requires time and elbow grease
• Best for small quantities
• Messier than other options

Chef’s Tip:

Lightly toasting whole spices before grinding intensifies their aroma. Use a circular motion with steady pressure, rather than pounding, to better preserve the essential oils.

Electric Spice Mill:

Precision and Speed at Your Fingertips

The Stadhampton Electric Spice Mill takes the effort out of grinding without sacrificing flavour. Designed for speed, consistency, and ease, it’s perfect for everyday use - especially when time is short.

Best for:

• Dried chilli flakes, peppercorns, sea salt
• Whole dried spices you want freshly ground
• Spice blends used frequently (like BBQ rubs, garam masala)

Cuisines to Explore:

• Mexican: Freshly ground dried chillies for taco seasoning
• Middle Eastern: Use with za’atar or sumac blends
• European: Season steaks or roast veg with fresh pepper and salt

Pros:

• Fast and effortless
• Adjustable grind settings for consistency
• Less mess than a pestle & mortar

Cons:

• May overheat delicate spices if used too long
• Not suitable for wet pastes or oily seeds (like sesame)

Chef’s Tip:

Keep one mill for hot spices (like chilli or pepper) and another for neutral ones (like cumin or coriander). This prevents flavour crossover and keeps your seasoning clean.

Seasoning Shakers:

Convenience and Balanced Flavour

For the final touch or a quick sprinkle mid-recipe, seasoning shakers offer simplicity without compromising on flavour. These are ideal for pre-mixed herbs and spice blends, especially when you're layering flavour or cooking in a hurry.

Best for:

• Dried herbs: oregano, thyme, rosemary, basil
• Blends like Italian seasoning or Cajun spice
• Seasoning at the table or during prep

Cuisines to Explore:

• Italian: Add dried oregano and basil to pasta sauces and pizza
• American: Sprinkle Cajun or BBQ seasoning on grilled meat or chips
• French: A herbes de Provence blend elevates roast chicken

Pros:

• Ultra-convenient for everyday use
• Great for quick flavour adjustments
• Ideal for table use and finishing touches

Cons:

• Less potent than freshly ground spices
• Herbs can lose aroma over time if not stored well

Chef’s Tip:

Use dried herbs during cooking so they have time to rehydrate and release flavour. Save fresh herbs from your Burwell Herb Keeper for garnish.

Final Thoughts: Matching Spice Tool to Meal

Choosing the right tool can unlock a new layer of depth in your cooking. Each method offers a different experience - whether it's the ritual of grinding by hand, the convenience of a precision mill, or the grab-and-go simplicity of a shaker. With the right tool, your seasonings will sing.