SPICE BUYING TIPS
EASY TIPS FOR BUYING THE BEST SPICES.
Cumin seed is the spice maybe used most in Indian curry recipes across all regions and traditions. Cumin is native to India and is the seed of the plant, which is a member of the parsley family. Discover the answers to your frequently asked cumin questions via the link below. Watch the video tutorial for more information on how to use cumin in its many forms.
View our frequently asked q&a section on buying the best spices >
BUYING SPICES
FAQS
Where is the best place to buy good quality spices?
I buy spices from retailers who I know have strong run through, store their spices beautifully, and reorder frequently. That way I know that no stock sits there languishing. Often times, smaller shops are better than supermarket chains.
Does it matter if my spices are old?
Yes. Older spices lose their texture and aromatic quality, so they can taste a little dusty, bitter, blunt, or maybe not just taste of very much at all. Because we are relying in our spices to do so much of the heavy lifting with creating taste—especially as it relates to regional Indian cooking—it has a really big impact on our end dishes if the spices we use aren’t particularly delicious.
How long do spices keep for?
If dried spices are kept in sealed containers and away from heat and light, they can comfortably last for three to six months. Whole spices will retain more aroma than powders or ground spices. But 12 months in your kitchen cupboard is probably the limit.
Are organic spices better?
Organic spices tend to have more beautiful aroma. This means that they are worthwhile buying when it comes to general quality, aromatic complexity, and even durability: because they start off with more aroma, they can last a little longer in your kitchen.
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