Every since I found a pepper mill in a box of odds and ends at an auction I pretty well don't use pre-ground pepper. However, supermarket peppercorns are expensive, about $32 per pound. Does anyone know of a bulk source?

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), December 18, 2000

Answers

http://www.penzeys.com/

But, will you use that much pepper? Still, they have 4 oz. of black peppercorns at $2.79 - $3.79 (depending on variety), which comes out to $11.16 - $15.16 per pound, and they have larger amounts available too at a better rate. Of course, pepper, like any spice will loose it's punch the longer you have it in storage. Penzey's sells very good spices. Also of course, there is the cost of shipping.

-- Joy Froelich (dragnfly@chorus.net), December 18, 2000.

I would look into a local food co-op. Usually you can get bulk priced things prety reasonable. Frontier Herbs is a supplier for co- ops and other bulk outlets. Frontier is usually cheaper-through a co- op though. (They have a website-tho I don't have the URL)

If you need only a small amount then I would look at a healthfood store -or if there is any amish or Mennonites communities near you- you can check to see if they have a bulk foods place(many do). The shipping will get you if you hve to go mail order!

Hope that helps! Sarah

-- Sarah (heartsongacres@juno.com), December 18, 2000.

Frontier Herbs, has peppercorns 16 0z for 10.99 member, 21.99 retail. their website is www.frontiercoop.com 1-800-669-3275 fax 1-800-1717-4372

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), December 18, 2000.

If you can stand to patronize them Sam's Club has bulk black peppercorns in their spice section. I buy 18 oz. and it lasts for a very long time. I think that last time I purchased it was around $5.00. McCormick and Tones are the two brands they carry at different times.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), December 18, 2000.

I don't believe you will beat Penzey's. You'll also get a really cool catalog with some good recipes! GL!

-- Brad (homefixer@SacoRiver.net), December 18, 2000.

Try americanspice.com.Larger sizes in particular are priced well.

-- Christina (introibo2000@yahoo.com), December 18, 2000.

Ken, you can get 20 oz. for $9.95 + $4.25 S&H from Spices Etc., PO Box 2088, Savannah GA 31402-2088. Or they're at www.spicesetc.com. I've ordered from them & was satisfied. Haven't ordered from Penzey's, but I have their catalog and it's great - with a lot of info on spices and beautiful photos.

-- Sam in W.Va. (snorris@dnr.state.wv.us), December 20, 2000.

Thank you all.

I estimate I use about an ounce of peppercorns a month, so a bulk buy should save money. I don't see why excess cannot be kept in the freezer in an airtight bag.

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), December 20, 2000.

Sure can be kept that way Ken. However, peppercorns are very easy to keep and will do well in any air-tight bag in your cupboard. If you have freezer space, I would guess that is even better. GL!

-- Brad (homefixer@SacoRiver.net), December 21, 2000.