Seamus Hammond
Incense lovers are always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to enjoy their favourite scents. One way to do this is by grinding your own incense blend at home. While this can be a challenging task, requiring the right tools and techniques, it is possible to grind and blend your own incense for a unique and personalised fragrance experience. Whether you're looking to create a custom scent or simply want to experiment with different ingredients, grinding your own incense can be a fun and rewarding endeavour. In this discussion, we will explore the various methods and tools used to grind incense, from traditional mortar and pestle to modern electric spice grinders, and share tips and tricks for achieving the perfect incense blend.
Characteristics and values of incense that you can grind
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools used | Mortar and pestle, antique hand coffee grinder, electric spice grinder, hammer mill, food chopper/blender/grinder, Braun ZK100, Robot coupe Blixer 4, Blendtec blender, cytogenetic ball mill |
| Techniques | Freeze the incense before grinding, use a small proportion of Makko, pulse at 80% blender strength, use a damp towel to cool the grinder |
| Materials | Resin, religious incense, sandalwood, palo santo, lakawood, agarwood, eucalyptus, dried ginger, cinnamon, branches |
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What You'll Learn
Grinding sandalwood
In India, a traditional method involves using a stone grinder. The stone is made wet, and the sandalwood is vigorously rubbed against it to create a paste. This paste, once dried, becomes a fine powder. Freezing the sandalwood before grinding can also aid in achieving a finer consistency. Additionally, using a blend of resins and oils, such as Makko, can help improve the grinding process and prevent the mixture from becoming sticky.
When grinding sandalwood, it is important to wear a proper mask to prevent the inhalation of fine dust, which can be harmful to the lungs. The grinding process can be physically demanding and time-consuming, but the result is a fragrant and high-quality incense powder. The consistency of the powder can be adjusted by sieving it through a mesh to achieve uniform particle sizes. This super-fine powder is desirable for incense sticks as it burns more cleanly, although it can be more delicate and challenging to handle.
Overall, grinding sandalwood requires patience and the right tools, but it can be a rewarding experience for those interested in creating their own incense blends or small-scale artisanal productions.
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Freezing incense before grinding
When it comes to grinding incense, a common challenge is the stickiness and heat generated during the process, especially when dealing with resins. Freezing the incense before grinding is a recommended approach to mitigate these issues. Here are some insights and guidelines on freezing incense before grinding:
Freezing Incense:
This technique is particularly useful when working with resins or sticky substances. By placing the incense in a freezer for at least an hour before grinding, you can make it more brittle and easier to pulverize. This method helps prevent the material from melting or becoming sticky due to the heat generated during grinding.
Tools for Grinding:
Various tools can be used for grinding incense, each with its advantages and considerations:
- Electric spice grinder: This option is suitable for grinding incense, but it tends to heat up quickly. Freezing the grinding cup beforehand can help prevent the material from burning or melting.
- Coffee grinder: A coffee grinder can be used, but it may not yield the finest powder desired for incense sticks. Freezing the grinder blades can help manage stickiness.
- Mortar and pestle: A traditional method that offers more control over the grinding process. Freezing the mortar and pestle beforehand can improve results, especially when working with resins.
- Cryogenic ball mill: This option is mentioned as an effective way to pulverize incense while retaining volatile oils, though it may be an expensive investment.
Additives for Improved Grinding:
To enhance the grinding process and prevent stickiness, adding a small proportion of Makko (10-20%) is recommended. Wood powder can also be mixed with resins to facilitate grinding and prevent sticking to the tools.
User Experiences:
Several users have shared their experiences with freezing incense before grinding:
- One user recommends freezing resin in a mylar aluminium bag and then using a hammer to crush it.
- Another user suggests freezing the mortar and pestle beforehand and grinding incense with wood powder for better results.
- Freezing the grinding cup of an electric spice grinder is advised to prevent the material from burning or melting.
- For those using a blender, it is recommended to freeze the incense beforehand and pulse at 80% blender strength to avoid overheating.
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Using a hammer mill
Incense ingredients such as sandalwood are extremely hard and difficult to crush or shatter. While some people use a mortar and pestle, antique hand coffee grinder, or electric spice grinder, these methods can be time-consuming and may not yield the desired consistency.
A hammer mill is a fast and efficient way to grind a large volume of incense material into a fine powder. However, it is a costly option. If you are using a hammer mill, here are some steps and tips to follow:
- Ensure you have the right type of hammer mill for your specific application. For example, if you are grinding wood, consider a mill that is specifically designed for processing wood chips or sawdust.
- Prepare your incense material by cutting or chipping it into smaller pieces. This will help the hammer mill process the material more effectively.
- Feed the incense material into the hammer mill. The mill will break down the material through the repeated blows of small hammers that rotate at high speeds.
- Collect the ground incense from the outlet of the hammer mill. Depending on the model, you may need to use a sieve to separate the powder from larger pieces that may require further processing.
- Clean the hammer mill after use to prevent the buildup of residue, which can affect the performance of the machine.
When using a hammer mill, it is important to prioritize safety. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for operation and maintenance. Ensure that the machine is properly secured and stabilized before use, and make sure that the area is well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of dust.
Overall, a hammer mill can be a valuable tool for grinding incense materials, but it requires a significant financial investment.
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Grinding resins
Mortar and Pestle: While a mortar and pestle work well for grinding herbs, they may not produce a fine enough powder when used for resins, especially when used alone. However, freezing the resin before grinding can help achieve better results. Placing the mortar and pestle in the freezer a day before grinding can improve outcomes. Covering the mortar during grinding will prevent the resin chips from flying around.
Electric Spice Grinder: An electric spice grinder is a more powerful option than a mortar and pestle, but it may still not achieve the desired fineness for incense sticks. It is important to grind in short intervals to prevent the blades from heating up and causing the resin to melt and stick to them. Freezing the grinder blades beforehand can help mitigate this issue.
Coffee Grinder: A coffee grinder with sharp blades can be used to grind resins, but it is not ideal for pure resins. Freezing the resin before grinding is essential to prevent sticking. Grinding the resin with wood powder or other dry ingredients can also help.
Other Methods: Some people have suggested using a file or rasp to grind extremely hard resins like sandalwood. Freezing the resin before grinding can make the process easier. Another method is to use a hammer to crush frozen resin, which is stored in a mylar aluminium bag.
Additives: To improve the grinding process and prevent sticking, some people suggest adding a small amount of Makko (10-20%) to the resin before grinding. This helps to absorb the oils in the resin and improve its flowability.
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Grinding wood into powder
For smaller-scale grinding, electric spice grinders or coffee grinders can be used, but achieving a very fine powder can be challenging. Electric grinders tend to get warm quickly, limiting the amount that can be processed at once. Some people use a $50 electric mill grinder for small batches, wrapping the cabin in a damp towel to help with the heat. Others opt for hand-cranked Turkish coffee grinders, which are suitable for finer powders.
If you're looking for an even more affordable option, a mortar and pestle can be used, although this method is more time-consuming and may not achieve the desired fineness. Freezing the wood chunks before grinding can make the process easier, and using a hatchet or file to break down the wood into smaller pieces can also help.
It's worth noting that grinding wood can be challenging, especially when aiming for a uniform consistency. Purchasing wood powder or pellets may be a more convenient option if the desired wood type is available in this form. Alderwood pellets, for example, can be soaked and dried to create sawdust, which can then be ground with a small coffee grinder.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to grind incense depends on the type of incense you are using. For resins, it is recommended to freeze the incense before grinding. A blendtec blender can be used to grind the incense into a powder, which can then be passed through a fine mesh sieve. For wood, a hammer mill is the best option, but it is very costly. Sandalwood, in particular, is very hard to grind and may require liquid nitrogen.
There are a variety of tools that can be used to grind incense, including a mortar and pestle, a food grinder or chopper, a spice grinder, or a coffee grinder. However, some resins and woods may be too tough to grind with a mortar and pestle.
It is important to grind incense in small batches to prevent overheating and tackiness. The grinder should be given time to cool down between grinding sessions. Some people also recommend wrapping an ice-cold, damp towel around the grinder to keep it cool.
