Grind It
Lesson Overview
Goals
- Identify various tools used for grinding
- Grind a variety of herbs and spices using multiple tools
Outcomes
Teaching Primer
The first time you grind dried herbs you will be overcome by the aroma that is released. The essential oils in dried herbs and spices are accentuated even more by roasting them for just a few moments in a hot dry pan.
And as if the treat for your nose wasn’t enough, the taste from freshly ground herbs and spices is unlike anything you get from the store. But tread lightly, you may want to use a little less than the recipe calls for. You can always add more if needed.
What starts with grinding your own coffee beans and peppercorns, leads to grinding and mixing your own seasonings, and then you’ll be shopping for dehydrators to dry the herbs and spices you’re growing yourself. It’s a slippery slope and one you’ll be happy to dive down head first!
Tools & Materials
- Molcajete or Mortar and pestle
- Electric coffee grinder
- Manual coffee grinder
- Ingredients per recipe
- Containers for storing
Vocabulary
- Herbs
- Spices
- Mortar and pestle
Method
Introduction (10 minutes)
Begin the lesson by defining herbs and spices for the class. Give them examples of each. They demonstrate each of the tools available for grinding.
Activity (20 minutes)
Divide the Students into groups so that each group has a tool to use. Give them some of each ingredient and have them grind it to the proper consistency, each taking a turn. Rotate tools from group to group so that Students have a chance to test each one.
Discussion (10 minutes)
What do you smell? What do you taste? Which method worked best?
Assessment (5 minutes)
Use the following questions to assess the Students before and after the lesson. Tally the responses of the group in the Assessment Tracking Log for comparison:
- By a show of hands, how many of you have ever used a grinder for herbs and spices before?
- Now that you know how to grind herbs and spices, how many of you will show your parents how to do it?
Related Lessons
Give the Intermediate or Advanced lessons a try now that you’ve completed the Beginner Lesson!
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