On Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 11:37:16 AM UTC-5, wrote:
> I recently found 1.5 ounces of ground pepper for $1, which is maybe 40% less than what I would pay, per pound, for peppercorns at my local Indian store. (Incredibly, my local health food stores charge MORE for peppercorns than the Indian store, even though they sell spices from bulk bins, unlike in the Indian store!)
>
> So, given that it IS convenient to buy only a small amount at a time, is there any good reason not to buy ground pepper?
>
>
> Lenona.

Buying any spice already ground is always inferior. After grinding they lose their aromatics very quickly. However, it is sometimes expedient.

Regarding pepper, I would never buy it ground, especially if you rarely use it. Spices at Indian groceries are so cheap that I would buy one of the superior peppers (Tellicherry, Malabar or Sarawak) and a pepper mill. You will probably get much more pepper than you want but if kept sealed in a dark place it will last quite a long time.

http://www.richardfisher.com