The best way to buy herbs and spices is in bulk. They're cheaper, fresher, and often available in varieties that your typical Tesco-type store won't bother with. When you get your bundle, do remember to put them in tinted glass, and store in a cool, dark, dry place (that is, not in the typical transparent glass containers provided with the also-wrong spice rack, nor in the cupboard above the stove). Most herbs and spices from Apothecary Rose Shed are under $5 USD per 125ml, and substances available range from Eucalyptus Leaf (125ml for $1) to a variety of hot peppers from $0.60 for a Chili Ancho pepper to $4.95 for 125ml of Habanero (suitable for putting into a biting, warming hot chocolate). Essential oils also available starting at $2.10 per dram. And if you're missing tinted glass containers, they're also available at very reasonable prices. See also Buy Organic for organic herbs and spices, and the Jamie Oliver Flavour Shaker for an update on the mortar and pestle. [GT]
Great article.