Introducing the Cosmopolitan Salt & Pepper Mills: The Essential Duo in Your Kitchen

Salt and pepper, the quintessential pairing in any kitchen, have a rich history and an irreplaceable role in culinary arts. Celebrate the essential duo of salt and pepper with the right tools, and taste the difference in every bite. No meal is complete without a grind of salt and black pepper.

A Journey Through History: Salt and Pepper

Salt, often referred to as "white gold," has played a crucial role in human history. Its ability to preserve food made it a valuable commodity in ancient times, influencing trade routes and economies. Salt was so prized that Roman soldiers were often paid in salt, giving rise to the word "salary." Over centuries, salt remained a symbol of wealth and prosperity, essential in religious rituals and daily life. Salt is neither a herb nor a spice, but it is used in almost every dish and baked good for enhanced flavour.

Pepper, on the other hand, originated from the Malabar Coast of India. Once worth its weight in gold, pepper was a luxury item in Europe during the Middle Ages. The high cost of pepper was due to the dangerous and long journey it undertook from India to Europe, involving multiple intermediaries and unsafe trade routes. This made pepper a status symbol and a sign of affluence.

Know Your Peppercorns

Good quality pepper is expensive and should be bought whole and ground in a peppermill. If you keep your whole peppercorns dry, covered, and in a cool, dark place, they will last indefinitely. The stronger the flavour of the pepper, the better the quality.

Black peppercorns are green peppercorns (a vine-growing fruit) that have been cooked and dried in the sun. They have a more punchy, concentrated flavour than white pepper. Black pepper adds distinct black spots to create a beautiful visual effect in dishes.

White pepper has fewer aromas than black pepper and earthier than green peppercorns, but it can add a delicious touch to white sauces and more traditional dishes like green beans with potato and bacon - just like your grandmother used to make.

Green peppercorns can bring out the flavour in spiced butters, delicate sauces, seafood and fish.

Pink peppercorns might look beautiful but can be bitter and pine-like. Since pink peppercorns is technically not a true pepper (they are closer to a nut) it offers less spiciness and a significantly lighter flavour profile than any of the real deals. Great for use in sauces and desserts (even chocolate).

Szechuan pepper is extremely hot and widely used in Chinese cuisines, or to season grilled fish and meats in Japanese cuisine. It should ideally be stored in a fridge or freezer. Fresh Szechuan pepper will have a waft of citrusy aroma – if you don’t get this aroma, the peppercorns have gone stale.

Freshly Ground vs. Pre-Ground: A Flavourful Difference

Why opt for freshly ground salt and pepper over pre-ground versions from the store? The answer lies in the superior flavour and aroma that freshly ground spices offer. Pre-ground salt and pepper lose their potency quickly as essential oils evaporate and the particles oxidize. Freshly ground salt maintains its briny bite, enhancing the natural flavours of your ingredients. Similarly, freshly ground pepper releases volatile oils and compounds that provide a complex and robust taste profile, far superior to its pre-ground counterpart.

Tips for Selecting the Perfect Salt and Pepper Grinder

• Opt for grinders made of durable materials like stainless steel or high-quality acrylic. Ceramic grinders are excellent for salt as they resist corrosion.
• Look for grinders with adjustable coarseness settings, allowing you to control the coarseness of your grind. This feature is essential for tailoring the texture of salt and pepper to different dishes.
• A good grinder should be easy to refill and operate. Ergonomic designs ensure comfortable handling, especially when cooking large meals.
• Since your grinders will often be on display, choose designs that have aesthetic appeal and will complement your kitchen decor.

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