Measuement from whole to ground spices is the same. Two Tbs of cumin seed will measure out to two Tbs ground. (6 replies, last updated by Evan January 25, 2006)

There is a brine I am planning on using for my turkey on Thanksgiving. However it calls for whole allspice berries and crystalized ginger. I curently only have ground versions of those and was wondering if the brine would still... (1 reply, last updated by PegS October 30, 2009)

My father has some recipes that call for whole 5 spices. I have yet to find 5 spices for sale in non-powdered form, even in the Hong Kong Supermarket on Pike St. in Manhattan. Where should I look (in Manhattan) or, failing that,... (9 replies, last updated by Pan April 28, 2001)

Any tips on measuring whole spices such that you’ll end up with the 1 teaspoon or whatever of ground spice? I’m working with a cookbook of mostly Indian recipes and the ingredients are listed and measured in their... (4 replies, last updated by JIRodriguez January 15, 2009)

Hi all, I’ve got a question that I can’t find answered in the Chow history... where can I find whole spices (coriander, mustard seed, fennel seed, cumin, etc.) at a decent price? The messages on the boards here... (15 replies, last updated by BostonCharles January 8, 2009)

of cinnamon with the cinnamon from a Berkeley spice store and Whole Spice was just so much better. Also the chipotle powder was miles better. However, Tierra still wins as best of its class in the chipotle category. Spices are... (12 replies, last updated by wolfe July 2, 2008)

You might want to try any Chinese Market (i.e. 99 ranch market). Star Anise is used extensively in Chinese cooking. It’ll be in the spice section. Good Luck (4 replies, last updated by FED December 5, 2001)

Thinking of investing in a cusinart spice grinder.. but where can i pisk up whole spices to grind for it? thanks! (12 replies, last updated by MikeG October 21, 2009)

Whole Spice is in the Oxbow Public Market. It’s a small shop with tons and tons of spices. I only got 1 thing that a fellow chowhound Rworange recommended to me: Zhug. It’s a Yemenite spicy blend. It’s a mix of... (0 replies, last updated by hhc February 24, 2008)

trustworthy. I want to try more rare spices than even stores like Whole Foods doesn’t have stocked. Also, do you guys think the spices bought from internet stores are superior to store bought ones? Thanks in advance for all... (10 replies, last updated by skunkymare October 7, 2007)

Can you recommend a good place to buy quality spices in S.F.? I plan to be in the Marina/Cow Hollow area with a side trip to 16th and Sanchez. TIA (4 replies, last updated by Jim H. December 15, 2002)

While I love Whole Foods, when it comes to herbs and spices, I’d say: Stick with Penzey’s, Kalustyan’s or my own favorite (because it’s here in SEA and I know the owner and staff), World Merchants/World... (6 replies, last updated by Quazi October 17, 2004)

The most important thing is whether the spices are fresh. A fresher mix will be much better than stale individual spices. Many spices begin to lose their freshness as soon as they are ground from the whole seed, so in that sense... (5 replies, last updated by Darren72 July 19, 2006)

your (freshly bought whole) spices next time you make a, say, a rub or a masala or a chili and then tell me you can’t taste the difference. And don’t tell me you don’t make chili...;-) (11 replies, last updated by luckyfatima November 5, 2009)

I have the urge to try to make some interesting spice blends. I have star anise...is it ok to grind up and use? Use the whole star, or just grind up the seeds. What about bay leaves? Usually they are cooked whole and discarded.... (14 replies, last updated by alkapal April 22, 2008)