Superior Spices and Herbs

Wars were fought over spices. I remember thinking in grade school history class how odd that seemed. The idea of traveling for months or years to exotic locations for herbs and spices?

Now that I am a cook, I understand. And if our ancestors were willing to die for them, I should have no trouble going beyond the supermarket -- but it worth it? Are premium spices really better?

Yes.

And surprisingly, they are not much more expensive.

This article described three terrific sources: Penzey's, the Spice House, and "Grow Your Own."

Grow Your Own

The best source is your own garden and the good news is that herbs require very little space or skill. You can grow many of them indoors. It's pretty dirt-simple: Dirt, a pot or a plot, seeds or plants, and water. If you can rig a timer and drip irrigation, then it's all a no-brainer.

There is something romantic about walking outside and coming back with a handful of flavor you will never find in a jar. I presently grow: basil, thyme, lemon thyme, marjoram, parsley, cilantro, tarragon, rosemary, and chives.

Penzey's and the Spice House

I have bought from Penzey's numerous times and found them an outstanding source for really excellent spices and herbs. They also have several retail outlets, including one near me, in Menlo Park, CA.

Penzey's printed catalog and on-line articles are excellent and full of recipes.

Another source that I have not tried is the Spice House. Their products, policies, and packaging are very similar to Penzey's, and for good reason: Both companies are run by offspring of Ruth and Bill Penzey, Sr. (Apparently, there was a family split and the two companies went their separate, yet similar, ways.) Anyway, Spice House has an excellent reputation.

What to Buy

The following comments apply to Penzey's products but probably apply as well to Spice House's lines.

If you try nothing else, try their cinnamon (China Cassia) or their new cinnamon blend. You will never buy cinnamon in a grocery store again!

Cassia and cinnamon are different, but similar, products and in fact, most of what you buy labeled as cinnamon is really cassia. There was a shortage of true cinnamon, around 100 years ago, I think, and suppliers began to furnish cassia instead. We became accustomed to is and that's what we prefer now.

There are numerous types and grades. I have only tried several. The China Cassia remains my favorite but I also like the blend.

Try their peppercorns. I use the Indian Special Extra Bold Tellicherry black pepper and it much more pungent and complex than anything I have bought in a grocery.

Their exotics, like curry and paprika, are complex and rich.

Herbs, like bay leaf, dill weed, parsley, and basil, are bright green, fresh and still fragrant.

I love the ground chili peppers. This is not the same as chile powder, which is a blend. These are dried and ground chili pods, of various types. I especially like the smoky ones. The Ancho Chili is smoky, complex, and full of flavor, and not at all hot.  The Chipotle is quite hot and full of flavor.

Try the blends, such as Fox Point seasoning, the sandwich or pasta sprinkles and specialty mixes like pumpkin pie spice. I especially like Fox Point on popcorn. My favorite blend is the Sunny Paris. 

The gift packs are nice wedding presents, too.

Trust me -- once you have tried a few of these items, you will never buy the red and white can, or any other supermarket spice, again.

Local Sources

One more source should be mentioned: local specialty spice shops (including the Spice House and Penzey's retail stores), which have the advantage that you can smell and taste what they have and get the advice of a face to face merchant.

Comments

[Mike Weston]

Stupid criterion: Our spice jars are on a wide shelf, and we're too lazy to alphabetize (well, I might be inclined, but Connie uses them more than I do). So spice jars labeled on the lid are worth more to us.

Reading these words, the answer is clear: Get a labeler.

But out of curiosity, does Spice House and/or Penzey's label the lids?

[Moe Rubenzahl]

Penzey's doesn't. I don't know about Spice House.

For what it's worth, mine are not alphabetized. I store them on a double-decker lazy susan and spin until I find what I need.

[Moe Rubenzahl]

I wanted to add another excellent blend that Penzey's added since I wrote the original article: their Mural of Flavor. It's a salt-free blend of green herbs. Very nice.

[Moe Rubenzahl]

Yet another addition to this is their Sunny Paris blend. My current favorite, it's light and fragrant with a base of shallots and chives.

[Robert]

Another great place to buy spices is

http://www.penderys.com/

I buy a lot from them and one of my favorites to buy is Worcestershire powder. I use it when I am smoking ribs, on burgers, in my BBQ sauce. People always comment about it.

[Moe Rubenzahl]

Worcestershire powder! Interesting -- will have to try that.

[Robert]

I have bought from a lot of spice companies from around the country..Atlantic spice company is a good one.

http://www.atlanticspice.com/

But most of the time I buy from Pendry's. It has been around for a very long time and they are one of the few that make Worcestershire Powder. It is sooo good on steaks. They also have some of the best Chili powders that have won the Terlingua Chili contest..