What the sam Hell has happened to the spice market lately? I went
down to the super to pick up some sage. Holy chrystonacrutch!
....$5.75 for one of those itty-bitty half-bottles of McCormick's whole
sage. That works out to $32oz!! That's freakin' insane. It also
appears Mexicans have no use for sage, as even the best mex markets
have none of the little $.99oz packets I usually buy. I may find
something at an Indian store, but most of their spices typically look
like they were harvesting sometime prior to the 4th century. Penzeys
prices, by comparison, are a steal and even their shippings costs are
quite reasonable. Looks like Penzey's has another customer.

nb

notbob wrote:
> What the sam Hell has happened to the spice market lately? I went
> down to the super to pick up some sage. Holy chrystonacrutch!
> ...$5.75 for one of those itty-bitty half-bottles of McCormick's whole
> sage. That works out to $32oz!! That's freakin' insane. It also
> appears Mexicans have no use for sage, as even the best mex markets
> have none of the little $.99oz packets I usually buy. I may find
> something at an Indian store, but most of their spices typically look
> like they were harvesting sometime prior to the 4th century. Penzeys
> prices, by comparison, are a steal and even their shippings costs are
> quite reasonable. Looks like Penzey's has another customer.
>
I've always felt they were cheaper than store bought spices. Between the
freshness and the ability to buy just the right quantity, they have
served me well. I think particularly when you're buying something
unusual, their stock will be fresher than your local stupidmarket if you
live in an area where few might use that unusual spice and it sits for a
long time on the shelf without turnover.

Goomba38 wrote:.

> notbob wrote:
> > What the sam Hell has happened to the spice market lately? I went
> > down to the super to pick up some sage. Holy chrystonacrutch!
> > ...$5.75 for one of those itty-bitty half-bottles of McCormick's whole
> > sage. That works out to $32oz!! That's freakin' insane. It also
> > appears Mexicans have no use for sage, as even the best mex markets
> > have none of the little $.99oz packets I usually buy. I may find
> > something at an Indian store, but most of their spices typically look
> > like they were harvesting sometime prior to the 4th century. Penzeys
> > prices, by comparison, are a steal and even their shippings costs are
> > quite reasonable. Looks like Penzey's has another customer.
> >
> I've always felt they were cheaper than store bought spices. Between the
> freshness and the ability to buy just the right quantity, they have
> served me well. I think particularly when you're buying something
> unusual, their stock will be fresher than your local stupidmarket if you
> live in an area where few might use that unusual spice and it sits for a
> long time on the shelf without turnover.


If you have a large/decent health food store check them out to see if they
have spices. I discovered that Sherwyn's here in Chicago has a large spice
section, very fresh things at reasonable prices. They have all kinds of
stuff, including sesame seeds for something like 4 - 5 bucks per pound...

--
Best
Greg

Gregory Morrow wrote:

> If you have a large/decent health food store check them out to see if they
> have spices. I discovered that Sherwyn's here in Chicago has a large spice
> section, very fresh things at reasonable prices. They have all kinds of
> stuff, including sesame seeds for something like 4 - 5 bucks per pound...
>
I've found a good source of roasted sesame seeds in the import oriental
section of the military commissary. It is shocking how much cheaper they
are there, then three aisles over in the spice section. I have a jar I
bought that i keep in my freezer that probably holds around 2 cups for
maybe 3 dollars?
Goomba

Goomba38 wrote:

> Gregory Morrow wrote:
>
> > If you have a large/decent health food store check them out to see if
they
> > have spices. I discovered that Sherwyn's here in Chicago has a large
spice
> > section, very fresh things at reasonable prices. They have all kinds of
> > stuff, including sesame seeds for something like 4 - 5 bucks per
pound...
> >
> I've found a good source of roasted sesame seeds in the import oriental
> section of the military commissary. It is shocking how much cheaper they
> are there, then three aisles over in the spice section. I have a jar I
> bought that i keep in my freezer that probably holds around 2 cups for
> maybe 3 dollars?


Sesame seeds in the stupormarket are one of the big rip - offs of all time.
In the mainstream US sesame seeds are touted as something "special" and thus
are expensive. In other cultures/cuisines sesame is a staple food, they
don't cost an arm and a leg...

I've also found black sesame seeds at this health food store and "exotic"
stuff like black Vietnamese rice -- all at very reasonable prices.

--
Best
Greg

On 2006-08-13, bizbee > wrote:

> hit the nursery, you can probably pick up a 6" pot of sage for less
> than that little bottle, and just take it home and harvest it.

eggszactly what I was thinking, biz. I so need to get some kinda herb
garden going, even if it's just a planter. I'm also sick of throwing
out half a bunch of fridge-slimed cilantro cuz I burnt out on pico de
gallo or fajitas half way through.

nb

notbob wrote:
> What the sam Hell has happened to the spice market lately? I went
> down to the super to pick up some sage. Holy chrystonacrutch!
> ...$5.75 for one of those itty-bitty half-bottles of McCormick's whole
> sage. That works out to $32oz!! That's freakin' insane. It also
> appears Mexicans have no use for sage, as even the best mex markets
> have none of the little $.99oz packets I usually buy. I may find
> something at an Indian store, but most of their spices typically look
> like they were harvesting sometime prior to the 4th century. Penzeys
> prices, by comparison, are a steal and even their shippings costs are
> quite reasonable. Looks like Penzey's has another customer.

It's cheaper still to grow your own

<and if only enough for your personal use... well, you know the rest>\

OB Food: And I always thought it was "Christ on a cracker."

"notbob" > wrote in message
...
> What the sam Hell has happened to the spice market lately? I went
> down to the super to pick up some sage. Holy chrystonacrutch!
> ...$5.75 for one of those itty-bitty half-bottles of McCormick's whole
> sage. That works out to $32oz!! That's freakin' insane. It also
> appears Mexicans have no use for sage, as even the best mex markets
> have none of the little $.99oz packets I usually buy. I may find
> something at an Indian store, but most of their spices typically look
> like they were harvesting sometime prior to the 4th century. Penzeys
> prices, by comparison, are a steal and even their shippings costs are
> quite reasonable. Looks like Penzey's has another customer.
>
> nb

Penzy's just opened a store in LA. I just spoke with them at the Madison,
Wis.
Penzy's store I learned that a store in this region is a strong possibility.
In the interim, any Indian market has virtually all spices in bulk for a
tiny fraction of what you pay at the super mercado.
As you and all probably know, Costco has spice in larger containers,
although McCormick's and the others aren't very spicey.

Kent

On Sun, 13 Aug 2006 18:25:39 -0500, notbob > wrote:

>On 2006-08-13, bizbee > wrote:
>
>> hit the nursery, you can probably pick up a 6" pot of sage for less
>> than that little bottle, and just take it home and harvest it.
>
>eggszactly what I was thinking, biz. I so need to get some kinda herb
>garden going, even if it's just a planter. I'm also sick of throwing
>out half a bunch of fridge-slimed cilantro cuz I burnt out on pico de
>gallo or fajitas half way through.
>
>nb

I'm not very knowledgable of your climate (Bay Area, right?), but I've
found that here in Texas, cilantro is a winter herb. It bolts almost
immediately in the heat of our summers. I grow it in the winter.
People who grow it over the summers here have sold their souls to
Satan. Or so I believe.
--
modom

"Southern barbecue is a proud thoroughbred whose bloodlines are easily traced.
Texas Barbecue is a feisty mutt with a whole lot of crazy relatives."

--Robb Walsh, Legends of Texas Barbecue Cookbook

On Sun, 13 Aug 2006 16:48:45 -0500, notbob > wrote:

>What the sam Hell has happened to the spice market lately? I went
>down to the super to pick up some sage. Holy chrystonacrutch!
>...$5.75 for one of those itty-bitty half-bottles of McCormick's whole
>sage. That works out to $32oz!! That's freakin' insane. It also
>appears Mexicans have no use for sage, as even the best mex markets
>have none of the little $.99oz packets I usually buy. I may find
>something at an Indian store, but most of their spices typically look
>like they were harvesting sometime prior to the 4th century. Penzeys
>prices, by comparison, are a steal and even their shippings costs are
>quite reasonable. Looks like Penzey's has another customer.

notbob, email me privately and I'll send or you can pick up some fresh
sage. Depending upon where you live in this area, you can come by the
house and cut it yosef. My sage plant is in the front yard. It's
vintage 1989, and it's moved with me 4 times. Tell my neighbor across
the street that you know me or he'll shoot you. No, really ....

TammyM
tdmcniff at ucdavis dot edu

On Sun, 13 Aug 2006 22:06:45 GMT, "Gregory Morrow"
> wrote:

>If you have a large/decent health food store check them out to see if they
>have spices. I discovered that Sherwyn's here in Chicago has a large spice
>section, very fresh things at reasonable prices. They have all kinds of
>stuff, including sesame seeds for something like 4 - 5 bucks per pound...

This is a great suggestion, nb. Go to the Sacramento Natural Foods
Co-Op at ... um ... Alhambra and S streets, I think. They have a
great selection. This is where I buy my WW flour too and most of my
bread baking supplies.

TammyM

On Sun, 13 Aug 2006 18:25:39 -0500, notbob > wrote:

>On 2006-08-13, bizbee > wrote:
>
>> hit the nursery, you can probably pick up a 6" pot of sage for less
>> than that little bottle, and just take it home and harvest it.
>
>eggszactly what I was thinking, biz. I so need to get some kinda herb
>garden going, even if it's just a planter. I'm also sick of throwing
>out half a bunch of fridge-slimed cilantro cuz I burnt out on pico de
>gallo or fajitas half way through.

Sorry, this is my 3rd post to this thread! Another great suggestion.
I only grow (no parsley) sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano and basil. I
tried to grow parsley but haven't found the right spot for it yet. I
also want to grow mint again, but beware of mint! It's an invasive
little sucker!

TammyM

On Sun, 13 Aug 2006 22:10:51 -0500, "modom (palindrome guy)"
<moc.etoyok@modom> wrote:

>On Sun, 13 Aug 2006 18:25:39 -0500, notbob > wrote:
>
>>On 2006-08-13, bizbee > wrote:
>>
>>> hit the nursery, you can probably pick up a 6" pot of sage for less
>>> than that little bottle, and just take it home and harvest it.
>>
>>eggszactly what I was thinking, biz. I so need to get some kinda herb
>>garden going, even if it's just a planter. I'm also sick of throwing
>>out half a bunch of fridge-slimed cilantro cuz I burnt out on pico de
>>gallo or fajitas half way through.
>>
>>nb
>
>I'm not very knowledgable of your climate (Bay Area, right?), but I've
>found that here in Texas, cilantro is a winter herb. It bolts almost
>immediately in the heat of our summers. I grow it in the winter.
>People who grow it over the summers here have sold their souls to
>Satan. Or so I believe.

Oooo. Good tip. I've tried growing cilantro and dill, and they both
bolt. I'll give it a go when the weather cools.

In November.

TammyM, Sacramento "girl"

Michael "Dog3" Lonergan wrote:

> I can get sesame seeds from several of the Asian markets here. Reasonably
> priced but I do the roasting/toasting of the natural seed myself. I think
> it's some type of therapy


It'a akin in that respect to making roux ;-)

--
Best
Greg

notbob wrote:
> What the sam Hell has happened to the spice market lately? I went
> down to the super to pick up some sage. Holy chrystonacrutch!
> ...$5.75 for one of those itty-bitty half-bottles of McCormick's whole
> sage. That works out to $32oz!! That's freakin' insane. It also
> appears Mexicans have no use for sage, as even the best mex markets
> have none of the little $.99oz packets I usually buy. I may find
> something at an Indian store, but most of their spices typically look
> like they were harvesting sometime prior to the 4th century. Penzeys
> prices, by comparison, are a steal and even their shippings costs are
> quite reasonable. Looks like Penzey's has another customer.
>
> nb
I have two sage plants in pots in my back yard. I harvest enough each
year to supply the whole neiborhood. Also terragon, oregano rosemary.
thyme, dill, cilentro and chives. All in pots. With all of this I
still buy Penzy's Garam Masala by the pound.

Wayne

notbob wrote:
> What the sam Hell has happened to the spice market lately? I went
> down to the super to pick up some sage. Holy chrystonacrutch!
> ...$5.75 for one of those itty-bitty half-bottles of McCormick's whole
> sage. That works out to $32oz!! That's freakin' insane. It also
> appears Mexicans have no use for sage, as even the best mex markets
> have none of the little $.99oz packets I usually buy. I may find
> something at an Indian store, but most of their spices typically look
> like they were harvesting sometime prior to the 4th century. Penzeys
> prices, by comparison, are a steal and even their shippings costs are
> quite reasonable. Looks like Penzey's has another customer.

I read their magazine but I've never actually purchased any of their
spices.

notbob wrote:
> What the sam Hell has happened to the spice market lately? I went
> down to the super to pick up some sage. Holy chrystonacrutch!
> ...$5.75 for one of those itty-bitty half-bottles of McCormick's whole
> sage. That works out to $32oz!! That's freakin' insane. It also
> appears Mexicans have no use for sage, as even the best mex markets
> have none of the little $.99oz packets I usually buy. I may find
> something at an Indian store, but most of their spices typically look
> like they were harvesting sometime prior to the 4th century. Penzeys
> prices, by comparison, are a steal and even their shippings costs are
> quite reasonable. Looks like Penzey's has another customer.

I read their magazine but I've never actually purchased any of their
spices.

On 2006-08-14, TammyM > wrote:

> vintage 1989, and it's moved with me 4 times. Tell my neighbor across
> the street that you know me or he'll shoot you. No, really ....

LOL! ...thanks Tammy, but I have sage, now. BTW, in my neiborhood,
I'd be that neigbor.

nb

On 2006-08-14, TammyM > wrote:

> This is a great suggestion, nb. Go to the Sacramento Natural Foods
> Co-Op at ... um ... Alhambra and S streets, I think.

Oh man! ...is that the same one that used to be on 15th St? Lordy,
that brings back memories.

nb

On 2006-08-14, Steve Wertz > wrote:

> Go to the bulk spice section at Whole Foods. A handful of rubbed
> sage will cost you about $.50.

Bulk spices? I wasn't aware WF carried bulk spices. I don't usually
shop WF, it being a few miles off, but sounds like I need to make a
trip. A good excuse to pick up some of their orange creme soda.
Thnx, Steve.

nb

On Mon, 14 Aug 2006 11:58:53 -0500, notbob > wrote:

>On 2006-08-14, TammyM > wrote:
>
>> This is a great suggestion, nb. Go to the Sacramento Natural Foods
>> Co-Op at ... um ... Alhambra and S streets, I think.
>
>Oh man! ...is that the same one that used to be on 15th St? Lordy,
>that brings back memories.

The first incarnation of it of which I was aware was on Freeport Blvd.
I don't know if it was on 15th street. You're obviously a lot older
than I :-))))))

TammyM, total snot

"Alan Truism" > wrote in message
> I read their magazine but I've never actually purchased any of their
> spices.
>

I can put a plug in for their Northwoods Fire spice blend. Hot,rich and
smoky. A chicken breast heavily sprinkled with this and grilled (we use a
George Foreman grill) tastes pretty good. Not gourmet but hearty and quick.

Peter

In article >,
(TammyM) wrote:

> On Sun, 13 Aug 2006 18:25:39 -0500, notbob > wrote:
>
> >On 2006-08-13, bizbee > wrote:
> >
> >> hit the nursery, you can probably pick up a 6" pot of sage for less
> >> than that little bottle, and just take it home and harvest it.
> >
> >eggszactly what I was thinking, biz. I so need to get some kinda herb
> >garden going, even if it's just a planter. I'm also sick of throwing
> >out half a bunch of fridge-slimed cilantro cuz I burnt out on pico de
> >gallo or fajitas half way through.
>
> Sorry, this is my 3rd post to this thread! Another great suggestion.
> I only grow (no parsley) sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano and basil. I
> tried to grow parsley but haven't found the right spot for it yet. I
> also want to grow mint again, but beware of mint! It's an invasive
> little sucker!
>
I seem to have better luck growing herbs here (Seattle) than vegetables.
The basil is doing reasonably well. I've got a second crop ready to be
put in the ground. The parsley starters will go in the windowbox. The
oregano, mint, and thyme are going berserk this year. My tomatoes are
somewhat puny, but they taste good.

Cindy

--
C.J. Fuller

Delete the obvious to email me

On Thu, 17 Aug 2006 03:55:20 GMT, Cindy Fuller
> wrote:

>In article >,
> (TammyM) wrote:

>> Sorry, this is my 3rd post to this thread! Another great suggestion.
>> I only grow (no parsley) sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano and basil. I
>> tried to grow parsley but haven't found the right spot for it yet. I
>> also want to grow mint again, but beware of mint! It's an invasive
>> little sucker!
>>
>I seem to have better luck growing herbs here (Seattle) than vegetables.
>The basil is doing reasonably well. I've got a second crop ready to be
>put in the ground. The parsley starters will go in the windowbox. The
>oregano, mint, and thyme are going berserk this year. My tomatoes are
>somewhat puny, but they taste good.

My oregano was very nearly a crispy critter during the heatwave. The
thyme was looking kinda puny too. Along with the petunias. Basil and
sage thrived, as they usually do. Veggies, mostly, were ok. I'll
probably grow more veg next year, I've always been more of an herb
gardener. It's easier :-)

TammyM