Herbs and spices

[Moonmobile]

I don't know if other people know about this site and shop. It looks great!

I have been wanting to invest in good quality herbs and spices and find a portable storage solution as well. This site even has educational videos.
http://www.herbies.com.au/herbies-tv/70-buying-and-storing-spices

BTW can you grind whole spices in the thermomix and make your own groung spices? (newbie question of course!)

[faffa_70]

Yes you can, your Thermomix will grind whole nutmeg!! It's a great way to save some money  and make blends etc to your own taste WITHOUT any of the packing fillers, anti caking agents etc you get in the commercial stuff - go for it 

[trudy]

He has a new cookbook which has just been released called ""Just add Spice"which was co-written with Lyndey Milan.  Haven't seen it yet but it sounds good.

[Chelsea (Thermie Groupie)]

How long do the freshly ground spices keep for?  I don't like the nasties in store bought ground spices, but I also don't like grinding them before each and every recipe. Can you keep them ground in jars for a month or so?

[AmandaN]

I am keeping my eyes out for a good spice storage solution.  I don't like the ones that come pre-labelled,as I would rather pick and choose what I want.  And it has to have lots of room!  And very air tight as we have had issues with pantry moths. 

[Moonmobile]

Hi Chelsea, check out the youtube in the link I posted above - it gives you the answers to some of these questions.

[meganjane]

I've bought from Herbies before. My only complaint is that their postage is over the top. It cost a fortune to send a few 100g of herbs and spices to me. I can get 25kg packages delivered through three states for less.

[Thermomixer]

Thanks Moonmobile.  Herbies is a great source of herbs and spices.  They have stands in a number of stores that I visit in Melbourne  and probably Brisbane.  They are based in Rozelle and it's fun to visit the little shop.

As you say, they answer lots of the FAQs on the site.

But yes MJ - premium pricing for postage 

[Amanda]

I have used Herbies stuff for ages now - it is far better than anything in the supermarkets!
As for storage - I came across this the other day
http://www.deliciousdays.com/
and thought it was a great idea!

[meganjane]

I use those same aluminium tubs for my Clay Masks! I have heaps of them, but I rather like my glass jars. I store them in a plastic drawer unit that sits in my pantry. One side for spices, the other for herbs. I have little round labels that I put on top for easy ID.

Things that don't fit just go in glass jars on my shelves. The pantry is away from light so it works well.

TMixer, wish Herbies had an outlet in WA....

[Herbal]

Hi

I have the tupperware herb/spice canisters and they are sensational.  I've had them a few years and they were expensive, but they are well worth it.  They have two flip top openings, one for pouring for large quantities of spice and one that you use more as a shaker.

I have two sizes - - but I can't for the life of me see what volume they hold.  But I can highly recommend them.  I'd guess .... well actually I have just grabbed an empty one and filled it with water and weighed it in my thermobaby...the large one holds 250ml of water.  I'd guess the smaller one holds half that. 

Not sure what quantities you are thinking of making, but if you're making masses, probably a large tupperware bowl would do the trick. 

And, no, I'm not a tupperware consultant!!  But I do love their stuff!!

Cheers,
Herbal

[ozzy-dj]

In WA you can get spices from Whittingtons.com.au. Some of the spices available at Herbies are notavailable at Whittingtons but most of the whole seeds are.

dj

[meganjane]

Thanks ozzie dj! I'll try them instead of Herbies next time!

[rainbow]

Solomon Merchants in Albany have a range or spices and some herbs, smells divine when you  go in there.   

[cookie1]

I'm afraid I won't buy Whittington's spices anymore. A few years ago I bought some fruit mince and it had a few extras in it.  I also get angry with them as they say they are West Australian and they import most of their stuff and just package it here.
Sorry if I offended anyone but that is one of my soapbox chants.  Please ignore me if I have.