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.

With items I'm not sure of and I'd like to try for the first time I
ask for a sample when placing my regular order, I've never been
refused. Then again with some new blends I know I will use it just
from reading the list of ingredients so I will just order like at
least a four ounce bag. I always phone my orders in, and I typically
strike up a dialogue and so take the opportunity to mention items I've
not tried and so they will almost always include a sample without my
even asking.

> 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. *
> For me and my house:

With items I use rarely I typically order a specific quantity based on
the cost of said item, with most I order the 4 ounce bag, with the
more expensive items I order the smallest size... I also take into
account whether it's a whole spice, those keep well frozen so I am
likely to order the 4 ounce size to take advantage of the price break
for quantity even if I'm pretty sure it may last me ten years... we're
not talking a lot of money here ya know.

> 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. *

I keep the packages in my freezer and fill my small spice jars from
those... the Penzeys bags sit flat and take up very little freezer
space.

> 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,

Cardamom pods last indefinitely in the freezer (certainly longer than
a lifetime). I bought a 4 ounce bag some ten years ago and they're
still as potent as when they first arrived, and they cost half as much
back then too so they were a good investment, I still have about half
left. If you buy ground cardamom (or any other ground spice) those
don't hold their potency too long, but I don't buy ground items except
for those I use frequently.

My spice space:


I devote substantial space for seasonings, I don't like clutter, and
most of many items are sitting on lazy susans.

Sheldon