"If you're simply buying salt and pepper, those background ingredients that help the other flavors of a dish truly stand out, Cortez notes that it's fine to opt for the generic versions. Oppositely, "for any spice you really want to highlight, use a more premium product," he adds. Even if name-brand spices can be one of the most overpriced items at the grocery store, you'll taste a difference in your cooking."
""The difference between a mass-produced paprika and a true small-batch smoked Spanish paprika is quite noticeable," Cortez says when we asked about which spice he thinks is best to stick with name-brand. "Anything done in smaller batches though will always be tough to find in a generic grocery store." This is why he always keeps za'atar and dukkah nearby in his kitchen."
Generic versions of basic spices such as salt and pepper are acceptable because they serve as background ingredients. For spices intended to be highlighted, choose premium, small-batch products to noticeably improve flavor. Factors that drive higher spice prices include origin, color, age, oil content, packaging, and company quality standards. Cheaper spices are often older and may contain fillers that diminish flavor and freshness. Small-batch items like smoked Spanish paprika, za'atar, and dukkah are difficult to find in generic stores but make a marked difference in cooking when sourced thoughtfully.
Read at Tasting Table
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]