cheap spices (for rubs)

[badger]

What do you guys think about cheap spices? I was at a discount store last night (big-lots) and they were selling spices for 48 cents each. The brand was Encore Gourmet Spices.
I was thinking about stocking up on some of the more heavily used spices like Paprika, Celery Salt, Onion Power.......

Are these spices not worth the value when trying to make a good tasting rub and taking all the time to smoke good meat?

John

[Oldtimer]

Being from California would it not have to be vegetarian oriented and shipped via pony express ? Going to duck now. :P

[badger]

Being from California would it not have to be vegetarian oriented and shipped via pony express ? Going to duck now. :PLOL! YOUR ON TIMEOUT NOW!

[Oldtimer]

Hell I'm use to it.

[willkat98]

They sell those at Walgreens drugs, 2/$1.

My opinion, they suck. I buy them all the time. For what? To pour down the drain and use the shakers to give out something else to a brother (ask Phil, he got the full 7# 1gallon jug of Tony Chachere).

So are they good spices? Spices loose there flavor over time (ground spices) and these are not work it. You invest X$ a pound in a good cut of meat, marinade over night, prep and trim it, then throw on old spice (not unlike my dad's old cologne) then spend 10 hours making it.

I wouldn't bother. Go to Costco. Phil buys these (I am not a Costco member) big ass jugs of each spice. You can buy in bulk there.

We have Farmer Markets here, and this one woman sells bulk spices cheap, but they are made fresh. So try some farmer markets in your area if you like them.

We buy tons of the picture you show of black pepper in the spring, then sprinkle liberally around the garden to keep the bunnies and the cats at bay on the new blooms.

IMO

[chad]

Depends. Like Bill says, spices lose their potency with age. I buy "close outs" at places like Smart & Final but only stuff I'll use in a hurry. I buy "bulk" spices at Sam's or from Sysco. I also look for regionally produced products -- down here we have Badia brand spices and they are very resonable -- they are packaged here in Florida and area fresh and ready to go.

So, use some judgement when trying to save money -- Bill makes a very valid point about what we spend in time and money to buy the best meat and do the best cooking job -- why mess up by trying to save pennies.

[badger]

I totally agree with Bills point, I guess there is a reason it is so cheap. I have tryed the local Costco with no luck, I will try other Costco's and the local Farmers Market. There is supposed to be a huge Farmers Market in San Francisco.

I just can't keep buying the $4 ones at the local store, it is killing me (not to mention the wife's complaints).

[BBQchef33]

things that i use ALOT of, I go for bulk, garlic, onion, paprika, but stuff like cayenne, celery seeds, mustard(dry) & cumin, i buy in smaller lots.

[smokeemifyougotem]

Keep bulk spices in the freezer.............

OB

[willkat98]

I kept herbs in the freezer for years. Took out a Unidentified Frozen Object one time that had been in there for years. Let it thaw out, and found I had a half pound of hash.

Put my Deep Purple CD on Auto Repeat, and cured all my ills for 6 hours.

as OB says "Smokeemifyougotem"

[parrothead]

Took out a Unidentified Frozen Object one time that had been in there for years. Let it thaw out, and found I had a half pound of hash.


Trade ya some hickory for that. :wink: lol

[BBQchef33]

I kept herbs in the freezer for years. Took out a Unidentified Frozen Object one time that had been in there for years. Let it thaw out, and found I had a half pound of hash.

Put my Deep Purple CD on Auto Repeat, and cured all my ills for 6 hours.

as OB says "Smokeemifyougotem"

should've wrapped it in foil, poke a few holes in it and used it as a wood chips.. smoke that into the food... be better than hash brownies.

hash brisket anyone??

:twisted: