Inspired by the pumpkin seed thread I pulled out my "Authentic Mexican"
cookbook to make out a shopping list for Pumpkin seed mole "Pipian". As
luck would have it all that I needed were pumpkin seeds and ancho chiles.
Because of other errands I ended up shopping at Whole Foods (for those
familiar with Chicago the one located on Sheffield near North Ave). I
finally locate the anchos in the bulk spice section. I like the bulk spice
section even though I know the prices are a little high because you can buy
exactly as much as you need. I grab some anchos and proceed to stuff them
(literally) into the tiny bags they provide and am diligently writing down
the bin number when I notice the price they are asking for anchos. $28
dollars per pound!?? Huh? Did anchos suddenly become rare and precious?
Did the U.S. government ban anchos from Mexico because of hepatitis or BSE
;-)? Anchos costing as much as some prime dry aged beef! This is nuts!

I drive about a mile west to a Mexican market that I like and they are
selling anchos for $3.69 per pound. Sheez! The anchos at Whole Foods
weren't labeled as organic and even if they were this couldn't possibly
justify such a price differential.

Just a warning/

Kate <--- looking at prices much more closely now.