Spice... What to do when they are not available

Today I had a legendarily frustrating day over something that should have been simple.  I need to make a large batch of our spice rub before Christmas so I needed to get the supplies.  I was not looking for anything exotic like the Kipi Luwak or the long pepper.  I was looking for simple spices like Rosemary, Thyme and Chipotle.  Even in Puerto Rico I was able to get the basics.  But, I degress.  The question I pose today is what do you do when you can not find the spices you want and, or need?

There are 3 most likely answers:

1)  do without- this is alright if it is a one time thing or you just do not like the spice, or it is not integral to the dish

2)  make a substituion-go online find out what spices you have that would give a similar flavor, or just play and have fun

3)  find another way to get you spices-beg, borrow, steal, order, grow.  These are all viable options in you live in the United States of America.  When I lived in Puerto Rico I had to order any peppers and fennel.  Most of the other herbs and spices were available but I chose to order them as well in the name of quality.

Living in "the Valley" I never imagined I would have any issues getting any of these mundane spices.  So once again I look at my old friend, ordering online.

There are a number of purveyors that are more than happy to oblige.  The secret is finding one that is not too spendy and of good quality and freshness.  I will go through a list of several that are available and try to give a brief overview.

WORLD SPICE:  World Spice was my friend back when I lived in Puerto Rico.  Their prices were always reasonable, including shipping.  The quality was excellent.  They have a full section of peppers and salts, teas and even some exotics.  I may well go back to using them.

PENZEYS SPICE:  I know I have readers that have Penzeys at the top of their list.  In the Mid-West it is *the* spice company to order from.  Looking at the prices they are a bit less expensive than World Spice.  From every account I have heard their quality is excellent.

SAVORY SPICE SHOP:  The Savory Spice Shop is on par with Penzeys and World Spice.  They have a good variety.  I can even get Hot Spanish Paprika, which after much research is what I believe is the common American translation for Spanish Pimento.

NW SPICE COMPANY:  I seem to remember visiting their store at some point and was a happy girl. Their variety is a bit more esoteric than World Spice and I think the cost a bit less.  It is hard to say for sure as they are currently working on their online store.  They were honored by Bon Appetite Magazine.

SAN FRANCISCO HERB CO.:  This looks like a wonderful online resource.  It does look like you have to buy the herbs and spices by the half pound or the pound, but the prices that I sampled are *CHEAP*!!!  I think I will have to try them out just to see what their quality is.

MY SPICE SAGE:  I am just going to say the prices I sampled are more than double World Spice and the web site is not easy to use.

VAN DE VRIES SPICE CORP:  It looks like you have to call them to order spices.  I personally have my own reasons for keeping their number in my rolodex.

MONTEREY BAY SPICE CO.:  If you do salves, tonics, are a witch and needs herbs for your ceremonies this is the place to go.  There are a lot of medicinal herbs and they are ***CHEAP***.  I would be interested in trying them just to see if the quality is good with the prices being so low.

SPICE ISLAND:  Their site has a redirect to Amazon.com.  You could pay more and get it in its individual glass jars like you do at the supermarket, but why?  I personally like getting seasonings in bulk and reusing my jars.

PENZEYS SPICE:  I know I have readers that have been wondering when I was going to get to Penzeys.  In the Mid-West it is *the* spice company to order from.  Looking at the prices they are a bit less expensive than World Spice.  From every account I have heard their quality is excellent.

SAVORY SPICE SHOP:  The Savory Spice Shop is on par with Penzeys and World Spice.  They have a good variety.

With resources like these you should never have to do without unless it is a "rush" order.  Please leave comments about your sources, quality and prices.

Anthoinette