Spices

If you are thinking about starting a spice business, spice grinders are one ingredient you cannot afford to overlook. Many business owners are so focused on the spices and herbs that they don’t stop to think about how their product will be packaged and sold. Grinders come in a wide variety of sizes, styles and materials. From full grinder sets that include grinders and bottles, to individual bottles in glass and PET plastic, in various sizes, and flip top closures and grinder tops, there is a huge range of choice available at spice grinder wholesalers such as Global Grinders.

While you are getting your business plans underway, it is important to do some research to determine which spice grinders you plan to use.

Why Choose Spice Grinders Carefully in the Spice Business?

Why is it so important to put thought and effort into the spice grinders that you choose? Some things to consider include the following:

• Cheap, poor quality grinders cannot guarantee freshness. One of the worst things to happen to any spice business is complaints that your herbs and spices are not fresh. Due to the nature of retail sales, product often sits on the shelf for any time between a few days and a few weeks, or even longer. Poor quality grinders will almost always lead to poor quality spices that do not last. Cheap grinders may not have the same technology that quality grinders have, either. Which brings us to our next point…

• Tamper proof liners are essential. The only way to guarantee that your spices stay fresh after being bottled is to use tamper proof liners that seal in the freshness. These liners should be sealed onto your bottles after spices and herbs have been added. Once opened, the spices need to be used within a few months. While ground spices can last up to a year if they are kept in air-tight containers, they lose their taste and potency once they are exposed to air. Without tamper proof lining, you may find that your spices lose their flavour quickly. As a result, you may not get repeat business if customers are not satisfied.

• Poor quality grinder tops and closures are also less than ideal. Cheap plastic lids that are easily broken will quickly lead to your spice business developing a bad reputation. Quality grinders and tops however will help you grow your reputation in all the right ways. It is a good idea to do some research to see which grinders and flip top closures are best for the type of spice you plan to sell. Finely ground spices do not require a grinder top, but they will need a fine grind suitable lid. Coarser ground spices on the other hand, along with coarse flavoured salts, will require a grinder.

Here at Global Grinders, we offer a wide range of whole grinders, at competitive prices. Whatever your needs may be, we are here to help. We offer a selection of bottles in glass and PET plastic, along with various grinder tops and flip top lids to suit your needs. We also offer tamper proof linings as a value added service, making it even easier to get started with everything you need for your spice business.

Browse our Ready to Grind range, or contact us today for price lists on our spice grinders and bottles.

The catering industry has unique requirements where spice grinders are concerned. In a busy kitchen environment, food is prepared on a frequent basis – often in large amounts. A personal chef for example may need to have a large amount of spice on hand to prepare lunches and dinners. A catering company that specialises in functions, such as weddings, birthdays or other celebrations, not only needs to have large volumes of seasoning, but may also require a large number of smaller bottles of salt and pepper for tables.

What can caterers look for when considering wholesale spice grinders for their business needs? Let’s take a look.

Purchasing Wholesale Spice Grinders for the Catering Sector

Some of the features to consider when ordering spice grinders in bulk for your catering requirements include the following:

• Size. Whatever the size of your business, larger sized grinders will likely the most cost-effective option. When you are cooking for large groups on a regular basis, you will find that you go through seasoning and spices at a far quicker rate than a regular consumer would do. The best sizes for this type of industry are the 325ml and 375ml catering bottles. These are available in high quality PET, which is ideal for the often busy environment of the kitchen. Glass bottles are harder to find in larger sizes, but these may not always be practical in the catering environment. Larger sized bottles will ensure that your spices, salt and pepper go a long way. They can also be ordered in bulk to ensure that you always have sufficient stock on hand. For businesses that specialise in functions, smaller bottles may also be needed in bulk to cater for individual dining tables.

• Grinder. Larger sized bottles typically require a larger grinder that fits onto the bottle. The 63mm grinder is adapted to fit catering size bottles. Grinders are made from high grade plastic, resulting in a sturdy grinder that will last. This means that you can purchase a smaller number of grinders, while bulk ordering bottles. This grinder provides a basic turn and grind style that is practical and suitable to use for coarser pepper and spices. Coriander seeds can be ground with this grinder, while sugar, course salt, cumin seeds, mustard seeds and many other spices can also be ground in a good quality grinder.

• Closure. For finer grinds, flip top closures are used. These are available in a number of different sizes. The teaspoon size is made for pouring spices, the 7 hole lids are designed for sprinkling larger particles and the 19 hole flip top is made for finer sprinklers. Snap on/non-removable sprinklers are also provided, which are fitted with built-in tamper evident band on the lid to seal in the freshness. Flip top closures are designed to snap securely closed when not in use, which helps keep spices and herbs fresher for longer.

As a trusted supplier of wholesale spice grinders, Global Grinders has worked with a number of industries. To learn more about our range, you can view our ready to grind selection or contact us with order information.

You use whole spices every day in the kitchen (hopefully freshly ground with the help of a good quality spice grinder!) but you may not have known the interesting history and background behind everyday herbs and spices.

Spices have been used for thousands of years, by many cultures all over the world. From the traditional spices of India to the hot seasonings of Mexico, the complex blends used in Chinese cooking, the simple combinations favoured in French and Italian dishes and the tried-and-trusted favourites used in South Africa, a meal without spice will literally not taste the same.

The diverse origin of spices shows just how much of a history seasonings have had over time, while also showing a number of surprising benefits and unique features!

Things You Never Knew About Whole Spices & Herbs

Some things about whole spices that you may or may not have known include the following:

1. Red peppers are one of the highest sources of vitamin C. Paprika, which is a tasty spice made from red pepper has more vitamin C than lemon juice when compared by weight. This spice is also rich in other antioxidants, making it an excellent one for daily health.
2. The hottest chilli in the world award goes to the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion chilli. This chilli pepper puts new meaning to the term ‘red hot’, and is apparently able to burn its way through latex gloves!
3. Nutmeg is known for its deliciously sweet taste that is ideal for baking and desserts and curries. This spice is also a psychotropic – in high enough doses, it causes hallucinations, delusions and an impending feeling of doom.
4. The powerful, pungent spices of mustard and wasabi are only spicy once when are crushed. In whole seed form, they have a much milder flavour. Once their cells are damaged, components within the plant combine to create allyl isothiocyanate, which is a compound that gives these spices a pungent taste.
5. The spice known as allspice is often assumed to be a blend of spices. In reality, this spice comes from a berry of a Jamaican plant known as pimento. The nickname is likely to have come from the spice’s well-rounded flavour, which tastes a little like cinnamon, nutmeg and gloves combined. This spice is commonly used in sweet and savoury dishes.
6. Pepper is one of the oldest spices in the world. Peppercorns are believed to have been used in food for the last 4,000 years. From as far back as the 4th Century BC, texts mention this spice being used to prepare feasts in India.
7. Another nutmeg fact – this plant actually produces two spices, which are nutmeg as we know it and another spice known as mace. Nutmeg is the seed, while mace is the covering on the seed. They have similar flavours, with mace being a bit stronger. Nutmeg was at one point considered so exotic that the Dutch allegedly traded the island of Manhattan to the British in return for nutmeg growing islands owned by the British Empire.
8. There is a big misconception that spicy foods such as chilli can cause stomach ulcers. In reality, spicy foods actually have the opposite effect. They stimulate the protective lining of the stomach, helping to kill bacteria that cause ulcers. Other foods that have similar properties include garlic, onion and oregano.
9. The most expensive spice in the world is saffron, which is grown in Iran, India and Mexico. The spice is commonly used for its rich, complex flavour but is also popular for the bright yellow colour it infuses into dishes.
10. Cumin is a popular spice for curries and savoury food, with a history that dates back to Biblical times. The Romans and Greeks often used this spice for seasoning. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that cumin promoted fidelity, and the pretty pink and white flowers were often used in wedding ceremonies.
11. The deliciously sweet cinnamon is one of the few spices taken from the bark of a tree rather than its leaves, berries or seeds. It is very similar to cassia but the latter is not as pure. Bark is carefully taken from the tree and then put out to dry. In warm, dry environments, the bark forms perfectly dried quills in up to six hours. These quills are them cut and packaged for sale.

The next time you are cooking up a storm, stop for a moment and consider the amazing journey that your favourite whole spices have come to get from their origin to your pepper grinder.

There is no doubt that freshly ground spices have a lot more flavour and benefits than old spices – this is, after all, why you have invested in a decent spice grinder and why you grind your own spices. But how long can you keep your favourite spices without the risk of spoilage or lost health benefit, aroma and flavour?

Before we give you some guidelines on typical shelf life of these aromatic condiments, it is first worth noting that how you look after your spices will play a big role in how long they last. Some people believe that storing spices in the fridge will retain their power for longer. Some may even keep spices such as ginger or chilli in the freezer. There are many viewpoints on this, but for the most part, subjecting your spices and herbs to harsh temperatures (cold or otherwise) may end up causing more harm than good. Ideally, spices and herbs should be kept in a cool, dark place such as a cupboard or shelf that is out of the way of direct sunlight.

Using smaller amounts instead of grinding the entire leaf, root or spice will also help to keep them fresher for longer. Keeping your grinders clean and avoiding contamination from other sources is also advised, so instead of using the same grinder to prepare pepper, salt, coriander and cloves, rather invest in a few grinders to use for different types of spice.

Preserving Whole Spices without Spoilage

With that said, a good guideline of how long various types of whole spices will keep in your grinders or in sealed containers or bottles will give you an idea of typical shelf life. Guidelines include the following:

• Whole, unground spices, herbs, leaves and edible flowers: 1 – 2 years
• Spice seeds: 2 – 3 years
• Whole roots: 2 – 3 years
•  Ground spices and herbs (prepared from whole): 1 year
• Ground roots (prepared from whole): 2 years

These guidelines refer to the amount of time before a spice or herb will spoil. Some spices however are best fresh, and while they may still be technically unspoilt, they may start to lose their flavour and potency after a while. The best way to determine whether or not a spice is still fresh, or whether it is close to its spoiling date is to consider the colour and the smell. Old spices that are no long as potent will have a dull, muted colour compared to their original shade. Likewise, they may not smell as flavoursome as they did when you first purchased them.

By looking after your spices, buying smaller amounts to use in a shorter space of time rather than stocking up in bulk, and regularly checking your spices appearance and aroma, you should be able to prevent spoilage.

Investing in a good set of spice grinders will also help to keep your favourite spices fresh when they are in the grinders, so be sure to stock up on some decent quality grinders so that you get the most from your favourite spices.

If you love using freshly ground spices in your food, then you most likely have at least one or two spice grinders in your kitchen. Whether made from glass or high grade plastic, you may think that you have to replace the entire grinder when your spices run out, but if you don’t wish to toss (or better yet, recycle) the grinder bottles, you can reuse them for many more years to come. First however, you need to make sure that you keep your grinders in good shape so that they last as long as possible.

Today, we will share a few tips on cleaning your grinder, reusing empty spice grinders, keeping the lids and bottles protected against the elements and other steps you can take to save on the costs of buying brand new grinders whenever your favourite spices run out.

Tips for Making Spice Grinders Last Longer

Some useful tips for making your grinders last as long as possible include the following:

1. Invest in good quality grinders. Having a good grinder or two, or even a whole set, will ensure that you have the best quality to start with, which will go a long way in making sure that the bottles and lids last. Glass bottles are easy to clean, and if cleaned correctly they do not retain any odours or residue. If using plastic, look for high grade materials such as PET, which is a recyclable material that is eco-friendly and long-lasting.
2. Organise your spices. To further ensure that bottles stay in good shape, try to organise your spices in specific bottles for each type of spice. For example, salt and pepper mills should be kept in their own bottles, and aromatic spices used in different bottles. Or, you could organise by hot spices and sweet spices. Using cinnamon in a former cayenne pepper bottle (especially without cleaning it) may result in some rather interesting baking experiments, to say the least.
3. Invest in a bottle brush. These are very handy for cleaning bottles, as the name implies, but they are also good for washing tall glasses, jars and various other items that are harder to reach with a regular brush or sponge. You can find them in the baby product aisle of most supermarkets, or at chemists. The long shape and soft bristle will allow you to thoroughly clean empty spice bottles to remove all traces of spice before reusing them.
4. Clean bottles and lids thoroughly. You may use a small brush, like a toothbrush, to clear the inside parts of the bottle and then a slightly damp cloth for the outside.
5. Replace lids that no longer work properly. Obviously, you will need to get new grinders at some stage eventually. If the lid does not close properly, if you cannot get rid of odours anymore, if the grinding mechanism is not working or any signs of damage are visible, replace the lids and recycle the old ones.

One of the advantages of purchasing your grinders from a specialist such as Global Grinders is that you have the ability to purchase bottle sets, individual bottles or lids as and when needed. With various lid options that range from screw on to shakers and even adjustable grinders for course or finely ground spice, we have a great range of spice grinders to suit all of your cooking needs.

Whole spices have long been associated with health benefits, acting as a natural alternative to salt, sugar and other unhealthy additives. But surprisingly, the use of spice is still not as widespread as it ought to be in the western world.

It goes without saying that quality makes all the difference as far as spice shopping is concerned. Buying your spices fresh, whole and (where possible) organic gives you the best chance of getting every ounce of goodness that these aromatic seasonings have to offer. Using pre-ground spices is sometimes unavoidable – especially when life gets hectic and you don’t have anything fresh on hand. A simple way to ensure that you always get the most from your spices and herbs is to prepare your own mixes in advance, which you can store for a few weeks in a cool, dark place. Investing in a spice grinder is a must, allowing you to easily grind your favourite spices to have them on hand for cooking, meal preparation and beverages.

Which whole spices have the most benefit to your health, and how can you use these super spices to get the optimal healthy boost? Keep reading to find out.

Fast-Track Your Health With These Powerful Whole Spices

Some of the spices that you should add to your collection include the following:

1. Cinnamon. This sweet spice is known for its versatility in desserts, baking, cookies, pancakes and chai tea, but it can be used in savoury foods as well. This spice has antioxidant properties, along with antidiabetic properties and anti-inflammatory properties.  Cinnamaldehyde, the main active component of the spice, has antifungal and antibacterial properties, and when applied topically as oil or ground spice, cinnamon also has a number of skin and hair benefits. Try adding a sprinkle to your tea or coffee, over oatmeal or even to soaps, stews and sauces. You can also use whole sticks as stirrers in your favourite hot beverage (it is particularly tasty with hot chocolate and cocoa!).
2. Paprika. Made from red peppers, this hot spice is high in capsicum – a strong antioxidant that is good for the immune system. It has a high level of carotenoids, providing an excellent dose of vitamin A. In fact, just one tablespoon of paprika gives you over 100% of your daily vitamin A allowance. This vitamin helps to promote vision, reducing night vision and improve eyesight. While you probably won’t want to get your dose with a tablespoon of straight paprika, adding this spice to green tea, honey and lemon drinks, avocado sandwiches, potato salad, pasta and other meals will help you get the benefit of its vitamin-enriched goodness.
3. Cayenne Pepper. Helping to ease upset stomach, ulcers, sore throats and coughs, this anti-irritant spice is made from chili peppers, and is as hot as they get. But despite its uber spicy reputation, this spice is full of powerful nutrients. It is a natural pain reliever, boasting anti-allergen, anti-flu and anti-cold and anti-fungal properties. Its high levels of capsicum make it great as an all-round immune system booster, too. The best way to get the benefit of this spice is to slowly start to add a tiny amount to your diet, so that you can get used to it without being put off by its spiciness. You can also use it on wounds by sprinkling it directly over the injury, in order to stop bleeding.
4. Ginger. An old favourite for colds and tummy bugs, ginger is the ultimate ‘feel better’ spice. Used along with lemon and honey in hot toddies, it is great for colds and flu. Used whole, cut into slices, it can be added to tea or hot water to help reduce nausea. Motion sickness, upset stomachs, morning sickness and various other tummy problems can all be eased with ginger. It can be used ground, whole or even as an oil. Make your own ginger tea by adding freshly sliced ginger to your favourite Ceylon or rooibos tea.
5. Turmeric. This bright yellow spice contains curcumin – a substance that has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has loads of healthy properties that make it good for everything from heartburn and headaches to arthritis, colds and tummy bugs. Used topically in skincare treatments, it is just as powerful; offering exfoliating and skin brightening properties. To use it in meals, add to rice, curries and stews. You could also try ‘golden milk’, which is turmeric blended with almond milk.

To get optimal use out of your spices, be sure to purchase and store whole spices carefully so that you can retain the full flavour and nutrients of each spice.