Flavor Your World with Spice Serving Accoutrement

If you’re anything like me, the only spices you knew about growing up were pre-ground salt and pepper from a McCormack’s shake tin. With the advent of online shopping, however, there’s no need to limit your spice selection even if you live in a food desert, and you’d be surprised at how easily a few extra spices can make even the cheapest rice, beans or pasta burst with flavor. These four spice-serving essentials are a great way to start branching out into a wider variety of cooking combos, and, hopefully, away from that ramen multipack.

Spice Mill

Far superior to powdery pre-ground processed pepper, freshly ground peppercorns deliver a crisp, hearty kick to whatever you’re making. (And you don’t need nearly as much to taste the difference.) A big spice mill grinds peppercorns at the time you want to use them, releasing the flavor without months of oxidation for a sharp peppery pop when you want it most.

Mortar and Pestle

When a recipe calls for a teaspoon of freshly crushed spices, it’s overkill to haul out the blender. A mortar and pestle lets you grind, crush or peel small batches of seeded spices like fennel, cumin or cardamom by hand for a fresh burst of flavor every time you cook. (And as a bonus, they make your kitchen smell delicious.)

Masala Dabba

A masala dabba is an Indian spice tin that keeps a hefty amount of fresh spices within easy reach. Usually made of stainless steel, these round lidded tins contain several smaller stainless steel bowls used to store whatever spices you choose, allowing you to save money by buying, storing and using spices in bulk.

Condiment Tray

Part of the beauty of spices is that they’re, well, beautiful. Don’t hide your spices inside pre-packaged jars. Set out a serving tray of bright condiments like dried chilis, paprika and pesto for a multi-sensory meal enhancement that everyone can appreciate.

Spice Up Your Life

Download the Shoppo app, like Shoppo on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for fantastic prices on this season’s spiciest kitchen essentials.