Penzeys Spices

Let’s just say if you are a real cook then you MUST visit this amazing store. The variety of spices are unbelievable. I have so many favorites it’s hard to choose just one. However, the Fox Point, Sunny Paris and Shallot Pepper always seem be empty :).
Penzey’s is located in a little strip in downtown Homewood and is open on Sunday’s after 12:00. Whenever my son is in town, he never goes home without stocking up on as many spices as he can.
The prices are very reasonable and the staff is friendly and helpful. When you sign the register you will begin receiving their magazine which not only lists amazing recipes and products but there is usually a coupon for a free spice to try.
I have officially decided that I am now a gourmet chef thanks to Penzeys! I promise you that after one visit you will be hooked!

Get ready for an aromatic assault as you venture through the door at Penzey’s. I am a huge cinnamon fan — and they have about five different kinds to choose from! Peppers, salts, rubs, curries, extracts, and more line the shelves, tables, and bins around the store, waiting to be added to your kitchen repertoire and some new sweet or savory dish to tickle the palate.

There’s an awesome selection of exotic spices. Try Vietnamese cinnamon in a ground beef dish (to favor the beef). And the corn beef spice mix is the best I’ve tried so far. We cook at home a lot. And when we run out of a certain type of spice, we’ll make the trip over to Homewood. However, I do wish Penzeys would carry Asafoetida powder. Pick up one of their catalogs for great recipes and ideas!

People are very friendly. Selection and pricing is fantastic.

Spices, spices and more spices. Top end excellent quality, my go to store for spices and spice mixes. The employees are helpful and knowledgeable.

Yesterday, I wanted to make spicy Indian cabbage. Problem was, I had no whole cumin seeds, and no Sanaam peppers. (I wanted to make it closest to the real deal I could, so I didn’t want just any off-​the-​shelf grocery store dried chilis. Penzey’s turned out to be the only place close to me that could fill both needs– and then some.
If you want peppercorns, you’d better decide what kind. They have about a half-​dozen varieties. There are also multiple cinnamons, salts, and much more. This isn;t just a spice store, it;s a spice experience. As you walk through, you can open jars of spices to smell them and get a sense of the differences. (Relax, Cupcake… the spices in the sniffing jars aren’t actually the ones you buy. There are little jars of the spices all packaged up for you.)
Of course, the biggest draw is the amazing range of spices and herbs and such (including some supplies for me as a mead maker and bee keeper– Madagascar AND Mexican vanilla, and empty jars, respectively). But the staff is also fabulous. Every person I’ve ever dealt with in a Penzey’s (in Alabama and in Wisconsin) has been very helpful and very friendly. I always have fun chats with them at the register, and leave the store with a smile on my face. This place easily gets five stars.