Have you ever walked down the spice aisle and really paid attention to all your options? Whole, ground, bulk, jarred, and every spice in the alphabet stocked on the shelf, waiting to be bought. Unless you’re doing the mad dash to the checkout line and plucking up your ingredients like a kid in a Toys “R” Us shopping spree, the spice aisle can be rather intimidating. Not knowing which to buy or how long they last, you may just spring for the cheapest packaging as to not feel guilty if it goes to waste.
If you are lost in the spice aisle, you are not the only one. It can be intimidating, but don't worry -- help is on the way. Here are three tips on the basics of buying spices.
Where to Buy Spices
When purchasing spices, quality makes a difference. You want fresh spices that haven't been sitting on a grocery store shelf for long periods of time – shelf life is about 6-12 months. That's why I recommend going to ethnic markets or a market that specializes in spices. The spices are more likely to be fresher and cheaper than the average grocery store. Take caution, though, with specialty stores that are clearly charging outrageous prices.
Fresh vs. Whole
It's best to buy whole spices. Once a spice is ground, its shelf life is shortened. By buying your spices whole, you lengthen their shelf life and maximize the flavor along with nutritional value. Along with the bonus of flavor, it is cheaper to buy whole spices and grind them yourself. Just be sure to grind what you will use relatively soon so it doesn't lose flavor.
Beware of Cheap Spices
Some spice brands may appear to be good bang for your buck, but take caution. A lot of the time these spices have added ingredients – such as preservatives or MSG. When you're buying a spice, it should contain nothing but the spice on the label. Always double check the ingredients list on the back. And when in doubt, by organic.
