Disclaimer: The reviewer has received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. All opinions contained in this post are my own and are my honest thoughts based on my own experience with this product.
I use a lot of herb seasonings and spices in my kitchen. I grow most of my own herbs and spices in my garden. Those that I do not or cannot grow I typically buy whole, in bulk because they just taste better when you grind them yourself as you are using them. I dehydrate most of my herbs so I can use them out of season or use them to make herb or spice blends. This means having an herb grinder is important - and it has to be a good one because it doubles as a spice grinder. The herb grinder with pollen catcher from Sharp Shredda Grinders Co. caught my eye because it doesn't use electricity and it was designed to shred herbs, spices, coffee and yes, even tobacco. I figured if it could do all this it would be ideal for me, so I requested a trial.
When the herb grinder arrived I was shocked at how small it was. I am used to using large electric grinders and this fits in the palm of my hand. I just wasn't sure how well it was going to serve my needs given that I often make at least 4 ounces of each spice blend. The first herb I shredded was sage. I was able to get three large sage leaves in the grinder by folding them up so they fit. The grinder was very easy to turn and use. The sage leaves were indeed shredded and fluffy but I had some pieces of sage stuck to the top of the grinder. I was able to easily remove them using the small tool that came with the grinder. I did not have any pollen on my sage but noticed some of the harder pieces of sage went to the bottom of the grinder. The softer, fluffier sage stayed in the top section.
Those three leaves produced a lot more sage than I thought they would because somehow the grinder fluffs it - and not only that but it smelled great. I don't get that from my electric grinder. I feel like even though I have to use less herbs at one time I am going to get more from those herbs and end up with a higher quality, more fragrant product which I love. We all know the essential oils in herbs and spices are where the flavor comes from.
The other nice thing about the small size is it is easy to take with you and the carrying pouch is very nice. I often use herbs on the grill so being able to grind them on the spot is going to be great. I have not tried it on fresh herbs at this point but I am sure I will in the future. I hope it works well.
Here are a few things you need to know about the herb grinder with pollen catcher:
- Free from Metal Shavings & Cross Threading - Ultra Hardened
- Totally Scratch Resistant
- Revolutionary Fast Fluff Grip™ - Extra Fast Shredding Fluffs Your Herb in Seconds
- No Flaking Paint
- Forever Sharp - Chunky Teeth Means No Snapping
- Drumskin Tight Pollen Screen - Collecting heaps of the pollen
- Potent Neodymium Magnets - Preventing the Contents Drying Out, Accidental Spillages & any Aromas Wafting Out!
- Reinforced Anodized Aluminum - Feel the Quality In The Weight