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Penzeys Spices is like Ali Babas cave for cooks. The store is filled to bursting with racks and racks of the most aromatic spices and herbs youve ever nosed. The longer you linger, the more treasures youll discover.
We have testing jars for all herbs and spices, like a perfumery, says Delari Johnston, Store Manager at Penzeys Spices in Norwalk. Indeed, these testing jars make it easy to waft your way around the globe, through Indian curry powders and Chinese chili peppers. Perhaps the biggest olfactory treat, however, is comparing their five different types of cinnamon, hailing from Indonesia, China, Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The fifth is a Penzeys custom blend of these, and is the favorite of at least one shopper I overheard on my most recent trip to the store.
The fun of being here is hearing what customers are working on, says Delari. And then customers overhearing other customers. Its really common for a half-hour conversation to start up and before you know it, everyone in the store is talking about recipes, what works, what doesnt. Its delightful.
Penzeys began as a mail-order spice business in 1986, and was founded in Wisconsin by Bill Penzey. Since then, it has sprouted into a nationwide spice market, with more than 36 retail stores.
Were still a small company, explains Delari. So we still hand mill everything, and all the spices are produced in small batches, which makes them fresher. Speaking of fresh, Delari recommends keeping your spice drawer up to date. Spices and herbs go quiet over time. They lose their flavor, she says. The general rule is that ground herbs and spices will keep for one year, whole spices for two.
Penzeys Norwalk location is also peppered with gift boxes for just about anyone: Starter Sets for the novice chef, Spicy Wedding Gift Box to fire up the happy couples new kitchen and the Grand Spice Gift Crate for the internationally-inspired cook in your life.
Step into a slice of spice heaven and head to Penzeys, located at 197 Westport Avenue in Norwalk.
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