One of the things I learned years ago as a huge fan of herbs and spices is this: the cost can add up if you don't go about procuring your herbs & spices in a smart way, and there are a few key tips I share with everyone about how to keep a collection that remains organic while costing a fraction of what you find on normal grocery store shelves...
First, grow what you can if you've got a sunny window or balcony or, like me, have a backyard garden. One $3 herb start of basil, thyme, parsley, sage, rosemary, dill, fennel and other herbs can grow big enough to produce a good amount of herbs, and preserving them via dehydration is a quick way to ensure you have a good stash come winter.
Second, buy herbs & spices from the bulk aisle. Organic spices, found in the bulk aisles of natural food grocers and co-ops (and often in more mainstream grocers as well), along with spice shops, are literally pennies on the dollar when you bring your own little glass jar to refill (making sure to weigh them first for the tare!). A $10 conventional bottle of spices will often cost under a buck if you fill your own jar from bulk. No, not Costco bulk, but those happy little bulk food sections. It's why we have soooo many herbs & spices on our shelves. We only buy what we need!
Third, buy spices in their whole form, not ground, whenever possible. Buying whole spices then grinding them at home not only lets you have both formats of spice, it saves room on your shelf, and also ensures anything you grind is at its freshest (as spices lose strength after being ground and in the jar for months on end). You can buy a dedicated spice grinder for $20-30 like we have, or use your existing coffee grinder if you have one and want to economize. Or to embrace analog living, go mortar & pestle. All of this ultimately saves $$ as well.
Finally, make your own spice blends. I'm embarrassed to say that I had no idea until I was in my 30s that curry, garam masala and five spice were all CRAZY EASY to make spice blends made up of spices I already had in my pantry! Above is the Chinese Five Spice blend I made using star anise, cinnamon stick, fennel seed, whole cloves and Szechuan peppercorns. Super easy, super fast, and amazing both in scent and flavor...plus, it's FAR cheaper using spices I bought from the bulk bins, by a long shot.
"Once you get a spice in your home, you have it forever. Women never throw out spices. The Egyptians were buried with their spices. I know which one I'm taking with me when I go." ~ Erma Bombeck
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