SAGE ADVICE #4: Picking a Spice Shop

If you live in a relatively big city, chances are you've got a lot of options when it comes to spice shopping.  In the center city area of Philadelphia there are 4 spice shops that I know of, not counting grocery stores and kitchen shops with a tiny spice section.  There are probably many more in Chinatown and elsewhere that I simply haven't heard of.  So how do you discern the good from the bad?

First things first.  You're there to buy a product.  That product needs to be in good shape.  Smelling a giant jar full of cinnamon isn't going to tell you anything because it's always going to smell amazingly delicious, even if it's poor quality.  If you don't mind coming off as rude, ask how often they empty their jars, how often they rotate the product, how often the jars are cleaned, etc.  Also, be on the lookout for how well sealed the jars are.  Exposure to air is what makes spices go bad quickly.

While less than adequate staff can be overlooked if the price/quality ratio is good, it does factor into the overall experience.  Watch how the staff reacts when you start looking around confusedly.  Do they ask if you need anything right away?  Do they provide helpful advice?  Do they like talking about the product or are they content to sit and look at Facebook?  Can you trust them for advice?  Believe me, even if you're just there to buy some black pepper, a good clerk will notice when something catches your eye and help you decide if it's something you'd like to take home.

Finally, compare the prices.  Are the charging the same price or higher than the other shop that has better onion powder?  Get a sense of bang for your buck.  You can do this pretty easily with the spices you use most.  I go through so much cumin that I can rank each shop's offering.  While I've never felt ripped off, I've often wondered where that extra 50 cents goes.

Shopping for spices should be fun and exciting.  You've gotta find a shop that gives you that sense and makes you want to come back for more.  Check yelp for reviews all you like, but remember that your mileage may vary.  Some people are more attuned to certain things and shopping experiences are no different.  You've gotta find the store that's right for you.