Spice question

[fishingbouchman]

Does brand make a big difference in quality?  Usually just purchase what ever at the grocery store. Am I missing out by not getting a better quality spice? 

[sliding_billy]

I have had good "cheep" spices and bad "expensive" spices.  My opinion is find a brand that you consistently like.

[muebe]

Penzey's carries some really good quality spices. And to me there is a difference.

Just like the difference in quality of fruits and vegetables spices can be the same.

McCormick and Spice Islands would be my choices for readily available in stores.

I personally do not feel they need to be organic though nor do I seek organic fruits and veggies either.

[smokeasaurus]

Savory Spice Shop and Spices Inc. also carry BBQ rubs from local comp teams in addition to all their spices.

[veryolddog]

You may want to check Amazon.com for rubs and sauces. They have a nice selection and reasonable prices. If you are an Amazon Prime customer, than you get free 2 day delivery. I have purchased many things via Amazon including spices and bread yeast by the pound. You can save a lot over many local stores and other internet pricing that adds shipping costs.

Ed

[TentHunteR]

This is a good great topic! 

I think key factor when it comes to herbs & spice quality is freshness, not brand.

Pre-ground herbs & spices loose their quality much faster and nothing beats buying whole herbs & spices and grinding them yourself.

I remember a couple years ago when I ground marjoram leaves for the first time. WOW; the smell was intoxicating! I had no idea the full aroma and taste I'd been missing all those years.  It's the same with Mustard, Coriander, Allspice, Pepper, etc. The difference is HUGE grinding them yourself versus buying it pre-ground.

Because bulk stores tend to have a quicker turn-over rate their spices are fresher than in grocery stores, AND it's cheaper! I spend a whole lot less money than I used to on spices by buying whole spices in bulk. And grinding spices makes your whole house smell good!

My advice:

• Buying spices at the grocery store is expensive; avoid it.
• Penzey's is a good source, but if you search I bet you can find a local butcher or bulk food store that carries whole spices for less.
• A small coffee grinder for grinding herbs & spices will pay for itself in no time at all.
• Dried herbs/spice can also be vacuum packed and/or frozen to keep them fresher longer.
• Start a small perennial herb garden for herbs that you use a lot. Harvest and dry them yourself.

[Hub]

Lots of good advice already posted.  Kind of boils down to "if you want consistent quality, you get what you pay for".  Sometimes, you can score a bargain but often the spices "on special" at grocery stores and kitchen shops are getting past their prime or are full of extenders to create more bulk.  If they are cheap enough (recent purchase of garlic powder for 99 cents for example) I buy them anyway because I'm not out much if they are bad.

I like McCormick for most things and Sams Club has the large sizes for good prices.  Penzey's is dynamite good, but always very expensive on a per ounce basis.  KC Barbeque Supply is reliable source of rubs and sauces but I try to sandbag and wait to place a big order because shipping is sometimes less expensive on big orders.

Hub 

[fishingbouchman]

Like the idea of grinding my own.  Any good choices for a coffee grinder? 

Would love to do fresh stuff. 

Muebe and PZ,

Do the Aerogarden work that well. 

http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=6467.msg86585#msg86585

http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=65.msg378#msg378

[Northshore]

If you have a food co-op in your area check out their
Bulk spice area.  I purchase some from penzys but at co-op I can buy small amounts when needed.

[pz]

Pre-ground herbs & spices loose their quality much faster and nothing beats buying whole herbs & spices and grinding them yourself.

This is likely the most significant factor in great versus not so great spices.

Winco recently opened up in my area (until 2 weeks ago, I'd never even heard the name).  They have a great bulk foods section, including bulk spices.  The most cost effective way to keep spices is to re-use your old bottles and refill with bulk - purchased cumin the other day, and for the same quantity in a $5 bottle of regular grocery store spice, I paid roughly 50 cents at Winco.

I also use one of the cheap blade grinders for whole spice - I guess any brand would do nicely.

Muebe and PZ,

Do the Aerogarden work that well. 

They do for us - we now have 5 units spread throughout the house.  Planted basil about a month ago, and just now harvest fresh herb to do on our pizzas this past weekend.  The unit in our bedroom (which I use for an "alarm clock") is about 5 years or so old - still works great.