A pepper mill is used to grind fresh pepper from peppercorns.
A spice mill, or pepper mill, is a kitchen appliance designed to grind fresh pepper as needed into whole peppercorns. Pepper mills come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made of wood, metal, glass, plastic, or ceramic, depending on the aesthetic. Many families keep pepper mills for the superior flavor of fresh pepper, as do fine dining restaurants. Home goods stores offer a selection of pepper mills that range from basic and practical models to elaborate ornamental ones that decorate as well as serve a function.
Some cooks keep spice grinders on hand to make freshly ground spices, like turmeric, which taste best when fresh.
The pepper comes from a vine that receives the Latin name of Piper nigrum and is native to southern India. After the plant flowers, it produces small fruits that can be dried and used for cooking. These fruits are known as peppercorns and have long been prized for flavoring and seasoning foods. Cultivated in India for centuries, chillies were also popular with visitors once they realized their flavor potential. Originally, cooks used a mortar and pestle to grind pepper, but around the 14th century the pepper mill first appeared, making the job much easier.
Peppercorns come from the Piper nigrum plant, a flowering vine native to South India.
A pepper mill is hollowed out so that peppercorns can be stored in it. At the bottom of the grinder, several sharp blades are placed and attached to a rod which is usually attached to the top of the grinder. When the top is turned, it rotates the shaft, causing the blades to move. The pepper is pulled into the blades and small pieces of peppercorns emerging from the bottom of the pepper mill are scraped off. When enough pepper is ground, the cook stops turning the lid and reserves the rest of the peppercorns for another meal.
All spices taste best freshly ground, because leaving them whole until needed prevents them from oxidizing and losing flavor and aroma. For this reason, many cooks keep a spice mill in the kitchen to work with cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric and other aromatic and flavorful spices. Since pepper is used so often, keeping a separate pepper mill is a great idea, and it also allows the cook to place it on the table for guests to add pepper to their food if they deem it necessary. By grinding only what the cook needs, a pepper mill ensures a fresh, tart flavor and means less seasoning is needed overall.
When looking for a pepper mill, look for a sturdy one with sharp, well-made blades. Make sure all parts of the pepper mill fit together well, as minor misalignments will cause a loss of efficiency. Try to get a pepper grinder that is as airtight as possible to ensure freshness, and you may want to consider getting a combination salt and pepper grinder that allows you to stir the salt for convenience.