Cooking Spices? Trader Joe's?

[piratesmate]

I'm so bummer! For the past 30 years I've been buying my spices from a local specialty store. They were so much fresher than the stuff you buy from the grocery store. I just found out that she went out of business last month. I had no idea so I didn't even get to go stock up & I'm out of a bunch of things!

So now I'm looking for a new source. Does Trader Joe's have fresh spices? I just found out there's one about a half hour away. Or maybe an online store that someone uses? Just for clarification, I'm talking about dried spices - like dry basil, ground ginger, etc...not the green basil or ginger root you'd buy in the produce section.

 

[Telynn]

I'm so bummer! For the past 30 years I've been buying my spices from a local specialty store. They were so much fresher than the stuff you buy from the grocery store. I just found out that she went out of business last month. I had no idea so I didn't even get to go stock up & I'm out of a bunch of things!

So now I'm looking for a new source. Does Trader Joe's have fresh spices? I just found out there's one about a half hour away. Or maybe an online store that someone uses? Just for clarification, I'm talking about dried spices - like dry basil, ground ginger, etc...not the green basil or ginger root you'd buy in the produce section.

I've not tried Trader Joe's for herbs and spices but I have tried Whole Foods. Do you have one near you? Their cayenne is wonderful and fresh!

Fresh Market and Earth Fare have great spices and herbs too!

Some one (I wish I remember who) said the Great American Spice Company and Spices, Etc. are good mail order companies. Hope this helps!

 

[mel63]

Penzey's. They have stores and are online.

http://penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/shophome.html

 

[piratesmate]

Thanks for the replies everyone. We have both a Trader Joe's & Whole Foods - practically next to each other. (OT, but why do they do that?? ) Unfortunately, they're a good distance from my house. I'll have to plan a trip down there soon. I'll try those first, but will keep the online suggestions in mind because that may end up being more convenient.

 

[etoiles]

Be sure to check in your grocery store as well or if you have an ethnic grocery store near by (like a Mexican one) check there as well.

Sometimes I have found spices in plastic bags for like 1-3 dollars each which is much cheaper than any other source. They are usually fresh tasting as well. If you have empty jars you can put them in there or put the plastic bag in a ziploc bag.

 

[kehouse]

check your health food stores. ours just went out of business too. but, they use to sell them by the ounce, which was great when you don't use that spice much.

 

[disnutt]

I second, third and fourth the Penzey's suggestion! The stores smell wonderful! Also, they send you a little freebie or two to try with each order.