Yes, a pepper mill can be used for salt as well
Pepper mills are commonly used to grind fresh pepper onto dishes for added flavor. However, many people wonder if these mills can also be used for grinding salt. The good news is that pepper mills can indeed be used to grind salt, but there are a few factors to consider.
The difference between pepper and salt mills
Pepper mills and salt mills are similar in appearance, but they have different mechanisms for grinding the spices. Pepper mills usually have a metal or ceramic grinding mechanism that is specifically designed to crush peppercorns into small, consistent pieces. On the other hand, salt mills often have a nylon or ceramic grinding mechanism that is designed to break down large salt crystals into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Considerations when grinding salt with a pepper mill
When using a pepper mill to grind salt, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, make sure that the pepper mill is completely clean and free of any residual pepper. This is because the pepper flavor may still be present and can affect the taste of the salt. To clean the mill, simply grind a small amount of uncooked rice to remove any remaining pepper residue.
Secondly, consider the size of the salt crystals. If you are using table salt, which has smaller, finer crystals, most pepper mills should be able to grind it without any issues. However, if you are using larger, coarse salt crystals such as sea salt or kosher salt, it may be more difficult for a pepper mill to grind them effectively. In this case, you may need to adjust the coarseness setting on the mill or consider using a salt mill instead.
Benefits of using a pepper mill for salt
Despite these considerations, there are some benefits to using a pepper mill for grinding salt. Firstly, it allows for more control over the grind size. Some people prefer a finer salt grind, while others prefer a coarser grind. Using a pepper mill gives you the flexibility to adjust the grind size to your preference.
Additionally, using a pepper mill for salt can be a cost-effective and space-saving solution. Instead of having to invest in both a pepper mill and a salt mill, you can use one tool for both spices. This can be particularly convenient if you have limited counter or storage space in your kitchen.
In conclusion, a pepper mill can be used for grinding salt, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Ensure that the mill is clean and free of any residual pepper flavors before using it for salt. Consider the size of the salt crystals you are using, as larger crystals may be more difficult to grind effectively. Despite these considerations, using a pepper mill for salt can offer benefits such as greater control over grind size and cost-effective use of kitchen space.
