"Melba's Jammin'" > wrote

> A) Say you're going to try a blend, herb, or spice you've never used
> before. Are you likely to purchase the small plastic pot or the
> next-size-up glass jar? In terms of cost alone, the glass jar is more
> economical.

I do buy the smaller plastic jar, usually. Truth is, only a couple
of times have I gone on to order the larger glass jar.

> B) How do you purchase the seasoning (blend, spice, or herb) that you
> use ONLY one or two times each year? Small plastic pot, mentioned glass
> jar, or from another source entirely where you can purchase only the
> amount you'll need for the recipe.

I pretty much buy all my spices/etc from Penzeys. I don't have a
bulk store near me, that I know of, and I don't know how much I
would save driving over there. Prices of the jars in the stores is no
bargain.

> For me and my house:
>
> A) I buy the small plastic pot on the theory that if I've got it
> around for too long, it's lost something and is no economy if I pitch
> it. If it has proven to be a popular item, next time I'll likely get
> the larger jar unless it's been more than about 12 months (I mark the
> jar with purchase date) since the purchase.

Some things I go on to buy both the glass jar and purchase
it in the bags after that. In other words, the glass jar to refill.
Those little plastic jars get lost in the shuffle, sometimes.

> B) The only spice that comes to mind for me is cardamom. I may make a
> cardamom bread at Christmastime. It's the only thing I use cardamom in
> and I buy the tablespoon I need at my local food co-op where I can
> purchase any quantity I want. And do,

That's a great option, if you have it. Maybe I am clueless and they have
that at Whole Foods. I'm just oblivious enough to have missed it.

nancy