Where to get dried spices?

[Reaper]

As someone who likes to cook in my quest to create healthier dishes with lots of flavour I use a lot of different spices and often have to rely upon certain spice blends. However, a lot of these spice blends tend to be really high in sodium which can be rather unhealthy. I'm looking to find freeze dried spices in Calgary. The ones I'm especially interested in finding are freese dried red bell pepper flakes and freese dried roasted garlic. Are there any gourmands who can steer me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance.

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by fotze

I've been moving toward fresh spices/herbs since it seems that after a month those dried ones don't taste like anything. Have you seen those new frozen fresh spice cubes that they have at Safeway. They are little cubes of fresh herb (like cilantro) the size of sugar cubes that you can just pop into your pot at any time. Keeps them fresh.

The thing with dried spices is that if you store them properly you can make them last for at least a year. If you want your spices to last you should store them in air tight containers in a cool, dry place. Never put your spices on top of your stove or in the cupboard over your stove. Heat will kill your spices faster than anything else. If you have a pantry try to keep your spices there. A vaccum sealer is great for keeping larger quantities of dried spices fresh for the longer term.

Yes, the frozen fresh spice cubes are great. Unfortunately, they are a little pricey and that's why they haven't really established a major footing in the marketplace since they were introduced in the late 1990's.

Thanks for the tip on the spice store.

[BlackEleven]

Have you ever ventured into making your own?

About one a month I have a day where I make a bunch of stuff and freeze or refrigerate it for future use. Things like chicken stock, pasta/pizza sauce, pesto, salad dressing, BBQ sauce, etc, etc.

I've tried a few of the store bought equivalents, and like you mentioned they are way too salty. I find making my own takes a bit of time, but, for me the trade off I get in quality, taste and healthiness is worth it.

If you use a lot of anything it may be worth your time to make a big batch of it and freeze/refrigerate it.

[troutman]

Dalbrent Spice Rack - across from SWC High School.

[Clarkey]

I've found that by using a lot of spices and pepper I don't need to add that much salt to flavor my food anymore. But then I'll go eat a whole pack of beef jerky in one sitting to counter the positive health effects.

[wooohooo]

Originally Posted by troutman

Dalbrent Spice Rack - across from SWC High School.

Of my 3 years of high school there... not once did I see this. Haha nice...

[Shazam]

After you get the spices, go to Lee Valley and pick these up:

http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page...t=2,2120,33146

[icarus]

Try the Far East. Take several galleons. Be thee well arm'd.

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by icarus

Try the Far East. Take several galleons. Be thee well arm'd.

LOL... (seriously, I actually laughed out loud)

[MagicallyAdept]

Originally Posted by icarus

Try the Far East. Take several galleons. Be thee well arm'd.

Be there serpents in them there waters matey?

Ho Ho Ho and a bottle of rum (not much has changed over the years has it except it might be champagne)