why is Penzey's so special?

[beckms]

I've seen Penzey's mentioned many times on this board, and I'm wondering how often/how much you all order from them.

I like to think that I cook a fair amount, but I have yet to run out of spices (except for maybe salt). Do you all use spices so much that you're always ordering more? Or Penzey's just such a deal that you can't pass it up?

I guess I'm just wondering what the fuss is about...is it really better to order from them than pick from the grocery store selection? And is it worth the price?

[donleyk]

Here is one of many threads about Penzey's.Yes, it's worth it!

http://www.cookinglight.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14264&highlight=Penzeys

[carolyn.1]

Beckms, it IS worth the extra effort. I too, when I came on board heard alot about Penzey's. I had no clue what they were. I ordered their catalog and I have been ordering every since. I just this week ordered $24 worth. I ordered ground chipole peppers, garlic powder, ground red pepper, red pepper flakes, bicentennial seasoning (for Thanksgiving turkey) and a couple of other things.
The seaonings are really fresh and at very reasonable prices. Seasonings that are hard to find. I don't believe you will be disappointed. Go to their website and order catalog. www.penseys.com
Carolyn

[Melman]

One of my favorite things about Penzey's is that you can order in a small size....for a very inexpensive price. Supposedly, spices/herbs sort of lose their flavor after about 6 months. Now, I don't necessarily go with that belief...but I do know that spices that are a year or two old definitely don't have the kick that new ones have. I've slowly but surely replaced the majority of my spices with Penzey's 1/4 cup containers. The items that I use often, I get the 1/2 cup. For cinnamon, black pepper, and a couple of other things, I'll usually get their smallest "bag" and just refill my empty jars.

Their quality is awesome!! Once you get used to their really low prices, you can walk past the spice aisle in your local grocery store and just sort of laugh at it. I refuse to buy a $5 bottle of ANYTHING from the spice aisle! Ridiculous...it's older....and probably has junk in it that Penzey's doesn't.

I'm a believer. ;-)

[Jewel]

I'm also a believer! :D I had ordered from their catalog after getting much encouragement (OK, more like PUSHING! ;) ) from the people on this board. After trying their spices, I will never buy anything from a grocery store again. I'm the type of cook that will pay extra for quality, because it comes with the territory! In this case, however, you don't pay MORE for the quality, you pay LESS.

Once you try their Madagascar Double Vanilla and the Vietnamese Cinnamon, you'll never look at either spice the same way again...trust us! :p We'll make a believer out of you too!

[SandyM]

Originally posted by Jewel
Once you try their Madagascar Double Vanilla and the Vietnamese Cinnamon, you'll never look at either spice the same way again...trust us! :p We'll make a believer out of you too!

And maybe........just maybe.........you'll plan a trip to one of their stores! :D

[adb]

Beckms -

I have been wondering whether I would notice a difference with their spices too. Since DH and I are going to Minneapolis for Christmas, I thought I would swing by to check out their store and get a couple of things to try. I have been trying not to replace things until then!

Believe it or not I used to live a couple of miles from it and never knew it was there. I don't think they have any locations in MA though.

Amy

[valeriek]

I just placed a large order with Penzeys (why can't it magically appear in my cupboard once I hit the send key on my computer???). I know I would have spent double the amount of money for less product (and lesser quality) product had I just picked everything up at Giant. You can actually see the difference. The Basil leaves from Penzeys are such a nice green and are so good whereas McCormicks basil is more muted. I also will never go back to buying in the store.

[Leanne]

OK - I just broke down & ordered the catalog. I also sent them a note telling them that the people on the board are their biggest fans!

[moonnstarsfan]

I just wanted to thank you all for the good refference!!! I have been more than disapointed in store bought spices. I just went on-line and ordered a catolouge and can't wait to try them out!
Thanks again!

Melinda

[Jewel]

Hey, we got two more! We're sort of a 'cult'...after your first order comes in we'll let you in on the secret handshake. ;)

[SueK]

I agree with all the others- it's an obsession! I showed the catalog to my mom and then opened my cupboard, where she saw at least 30 different Penzey's containers. She was shocked! I am trying to convince her that they ARE cheaper, but the quality is much better! I'll convert her yet! :)

[beckms]

OK OK Ok!!!!

I am ordering a catlogue RIGHT NOW. Man, you guys are ruthless!!! :D :D

[KateH]

I placed my first gargantuan Penzey's order a month ago and have been enjoying opening the bags as the spices are needed and smelling the delicious aromas. I have been very satisfied overall, with one reservation:
Has anyone ever had trouble with the Turkish oregano ?

I have used it in two dishes so far and I don't know whether it is the oregano or just a fluke that both dishes had a bitter edge to them. One was just pasta sauce, and the other was the Greek lamb with spinach and orzo (for the crockpot) that is in the Recipe finder. I'm a little afraid to try the oregano again.
:eek:

What do you think?

Kate H

[Tiger]

I wouldn't order from them unless you want better quility for less money! (My latest order should be coming in any day now)

[Leslie w]

Kate, I don't have the turkish oregano but maybe you should use less of it. I found after receiving my first order (I now shop at the Penzey's store in Norwalk CT, I'm such a lucky girl!) that the spices were so much fresher and stronger I used less of them in some recipes. Of course like Jewel I don't skimp on the double strength vanilla or the Vietnamese Cinnamon.

I'm thinking of buying some of their gift packs for Christmas. I'm also slowly replacing all of my old spice jars with Penzeys jars. I have to restrain myself every time I walk in that store. I'm an addict!

[KValley]

Another convert checking in!

Wonderful stuff, this Penzey's. My first order included that famous Vietnamese Cinnamon, Double Vanilla, Sweet Curry, Red Pepper, Cumin, French Green Pepper. I am anxiously awaiting my most recent order of Herbes de Provence, West Indian Nutmeg, Whole Rosemary and
Turkish Oregano (little concerned now about the Turkish Oregano, after Kate's respone!).

I am also slowly replacing my herbs and spices (anyone need some coriander? :)) with Penzey's- I've been so happy with the quality and amazed by the prices.

I've been keeping my Penzey's bags in the freezer (to maintain freshness)- does anyone else do this?

[sapphirestar]

I have bought my spices in bulk from our health food coop for years. I have always been pleased with the price and selection.

Is Penzey's better than the coop spices? Is there anyone who's tried both and has a preference?

I live in Minneapolis. so I suppose I should see what all this fuss is about!

[jjsooner73]

I've made two orders from them, and also got a gift set for a friend.
I love them! Everything I have is great. The cumin, chili powder, chipotle powder, oregano (turkish and mexican), basil are all some of my favorites. I haven't used the hot curry or sate yet, but they smell wonderful.
I definitely think it is a great value!

[Tiger]

We better stop bragging about their low prices, they might raise them!

[Melman]

Their Turkish oregano is one of my most often used spices. I've gone through a couple of the smallest jars fairly quickly and just recently bought the 1/2 cup size. I haven't had any problems with it at all.

[tracey67]

originally posted by KateH
I have been very satisfied overall, with one reservation: Has anyone ever had trouble with the Turkish oregano ?

I have used it in two dishes so far and I don't know whether it is the oregano or just a fluke that both dishes had a bitter edge to them.

I know that some spices can become bitter when cooked for long periods of time. This is why recipes sometimes direct you to add certain spices at the beginning, and others at the very end of cooking. Maybe this is the problem you're having with the oregano? Next time you use it, try adding it during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

[Jodi]

Another Penzey's convert here...

I was hesitant at first, but after taking into consideration the great prices and everyone's enthusiasm here on the BB, I tried Penzey's and cannot imagine ever buying from my grocery store's spice aisle again!! I have found the same thing that everyone else has: better quality, and you can't beat that.

Thanks to this board, two of my goals in life at this point are to convert people to Pirate's Booty and to convert them to Penzey's. (PB now my godson's favorite snack food!) I ordered some gift sets for the holidays for my cooking friends/family to help in that effort. I'll get them all yet!!
Jodi

[KValley]

Originally posted by sapphirestar
I have bought my spices in bulk from our health food coop for years. I have always been pleased with the price and selection.

Is Penzey's better than the coop spices? Is there anyone who's tried both and has a preference?

I live in Minneapolis. so I suppose I should see what all this fuss is about!

I have bought my spices in bulk from a natural foods store for years- I like the idea of buying only what I need and not paying for useless packaging. But again, who knows how long that cardamom or basil has been sitting in that jar or plastic bin? I don't know that I've ever smelled spices that have had the same intensity as those I've bought from Penzey's- which tells me something about the freshness of my bulk or name-brand purchases! Just looking at Penzey's ground red pepper makes me sneeze! ;)

[Terrytx]

KValley, I also keep my Penzey bulk bags in the freezer. I order the bottles for the things I don't use as much, but things like garlic powder, Barbecue of the Americas, Bangkok Blend, cinnamon, peppercorns, chipotle and other chili powder (well...I needn't list them all I guess), I buy the bags and keep them in the freezer. I also keep the lemon and orange peel in the freeze (a suggestion from one of the sales clerks at Penzey's). I also could never go back the grocery store spices.

[Molli526]

You've got one more. I have been putting it off, but I am taking the plunge! Just a question- do you store them in the jars they sell or just the plastic bags?

[Terrytx]

I store the bulk stuff in bags in the freezer (Food Saver style), refill the jars, as needed, and return to the freezer. I keep about 1/2 a jar handy in the cabinet.

[Jewel]

I have a lot of the Tupperware spice containers in my spice cabinet, and I buy the bags to refill those, both the 1/2 cup and the cup size...the excess I keep in the jars and store in a bottom kitchen drawer since I don't have room in the freezer! ;) It's a cool, dark place so I don't see a problem there. Seasoning blends I buy from Penzeys like the Fox Point Seasoning (YUM!) and the Pork Chop Seasoning I buy in the 1/2 cup jars. I did buy a few of their 1 cup jars when I was at the Minneapolis store in October, and I keep my Vietnamese Cinnamon, Mexican Oregano, Basil, and some of my larger quantities in there...I have no more room for a 'Tupperware' set up, so I'm just using the Penzey's jars on my second shelf! My spice cabinet is kinda taking over.... :D

[Leslie w]

The last time I went to the store the sales clerk recommended that I store all the spices made from peppers and anything that has an oil base or nut base in the refrigerator. So that's where I keep my Chipotle powder,Adobo Powder, Chili Pepper, Seasame Seeds, and Poppy Seeds. Everything else stays in the spice cabinet. I also heard that the bags are great for storage and both plastic and glass are fine. I guess it just depends on what size you prefer.