Spices and herbs: Do you get what you pay for?
May 3rd, 2009 | by Vitamin Advisor |
caffeinatedmom2 asked:
Are the more expensive spices and herbs considerably better than the cheap dollar-store variety? What is the difference?
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Are the more expensive spices and herbs considerably better than the cheap dollar-store variety? What is the difference?
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8 Responses to “Spices and herbs: Do you get what you pay for?”
By Ivy on May 6, 2009 | Reply
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Go to a food co-op to get spices in bulk that you can grind
yourself.
Grow your own herbs. I used fresh grown herbs last year for the first time and they are SUPERIOR to dried herbs. I want to never
go back to dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme–there is just NO comparison whatsoever.
Or buy fresh herbs in grocery store.
By Bud#21 on May 7, 2009 | Reply
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Only purchase the herbs that you can not grow in your own herb garden. There is no comparison in the quality between store bought herbs and garden herbs. You definitely do not get what you pay for.
By Temple on May 8, 2009 | Reply
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Yes, you do get what you pay for.
The quality of the more expensive spices and herbs, the freshness, the age, the exposure to light, etc. IS better because they last longer, taste better and require LESS to achieve a higher level of taste in the finished dish. They retain their flavor long after purchase when properly stored.
The dollar-store varieties are older, drier, of less quality and therefore require MORE to achieve a level of taste in the final dish. They loose their flavor very quickly after purchase.
By Just Ducky on May 10, 2009 | Reply
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I try to buy in bulk when I can. Also, in our grocery stores, there is a section for Mexican cooking, where I find many herbs and spices packaged in cellophane bags that are MUCH cheaper than typical spices. Especially bay leaves! Also cinnamon sticks and chili powders. Though cheaper, I have not found the quality to be lacking at all.
By Desi Chef on May 12, 2009 | Reply
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If you want Indian spices, they are cheaper in an Indian stores.
That goes for all the spices, they are much cheaper in ethnic stores. For the more expensive spices, a little goes a long way.
Like saffron, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg… you dont use daily.
Depends on the meal, if you make Indian food alot you will use a lot of spices. Store them well buy only what you need.
By lizardmama on May 15, 2009 | Reply
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Oh yes! They’re better quality and better refined. I can’t justify the cost for all of them, but I do for some (dill, garlic, cumin, oregano and a few others). What I *do* like to do from time to time is to buy the freshly ground ones that some better grocery stores have that can be bought by the teaspoon. Try that if you ever have the opportunity. Experiment with the cheap and better ones. Garlic isn’t one of the most expensive spices, so it might be a good one to use as an experiment. Buy the cheap garlic with the red plastic lid, and then buy a better quality one. Experiment with them, and you’ll see the difference.
By SexyTrojan on May 17, 2009 | Reply
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Yes, you get what you pay for.
One day, I had to do a dollar store run and then go to the market to get cinnamon for my coffee (I put it in the grounds). I saw cinnamon at the dollar store, so I bought it there…one stop shopping.
It was tasteless. With my normal cinnamon, I use 2 shakes. With this one, I had more cinnamon than grounds, and I still could not taste it.
I buy all of my spices and dried herbs from Penzey’s. I only go to the market when I need it now.
By t c on May 19, 2009 | Reply
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The best spices I have had came from the Atlantic Spice Co. I live within driving distance……..but you can order online. They have the VERY BEST garlic powder I have ever bought/tasted……..and I have tried MANY. Learn about your spices and try new ones.