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.