My go to tool for chopping/grinding dried zest and spices is the Cuisinart Mini-Mate [affiliate link*]. It’s small enough to chop or grind the smallest amounts of dried orange or lemon zest and spices, such as star anise, cinnamon, fennel, or cloves. In a larger food processor these often slip under the blades or get thrown to the side and don’t get chopped or ground.

When I don’t have my Mini-Mate around, I use my Magic Bullet [affiliate link*]. Its small cup chops dried zest and small spices well by keeping them in motion around the blades.

*Seasons of Scones is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sties to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com As an Amazon Associate, Seasons of Scones earns from qualifying purchases.