Think it does make a difference and the colour and texture is totally different. Tried it for the first time recently and the smell and taste is much better. Was going to go out and buy a grinder to do the business but was pushed for time. So i tried an old garlic grinder which i was able to get the lid off and give a good clean to. Once the spices were roasted and had cooled a bit i emptied them into the grinder and ground up worked a treat.