I've been buying the Tellicherry black peppercorns at Costco. What I had,
expired. I think maybe in 2011? Not sure. I had been using it and I
noticed that I was having to use a lot more to get the right flavor. Those
peppercorns were very black and sort of cracked in my mill, leaving large
chunks. Those peppercorns were also very black, firm and smooth.

The ones I just bought the other day seem to be in a smaller jar and have no
expiration date on them. The peppercorns are not smooth but wrinkled and
they seem to be softer. Also some are black but the others are more of a
pale brown/grey. I did not change the grind on the mill but when I grind
them, I do not get the "crunchy" sound like I did before and there is no
resistance. The outside part of the peppercorns seems to just flake off in
pieces and the inside just comes apart into soft little specks. Totally
different texture than before. I am also using the same amount as I did
before but not getting the same flavor. There is a very strong peppery
aroma though.

So... Why the difference? Could the new pepper I bought be older still?
Or maybe just each season gives a different taste/texture? This doesn't
necessarily seem bad but it is a different pepper texture than I am used to.
I am used to having a bit of grit in there. And this just isn't.

On Sun, 12 May 2013 16:24:43 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> wrote:

> I've been buying the Tellicherry black peppercorns at Costco.

What is the BFD about "Tellicherry" peppercorns? I've bought unnamed
black peppercorns and I've bought "Tellicherry"... not because I
wanted to buy them, but because that's what Costco sells. I don't
understand why people feel the need to name it. It's pepper. Period.



--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Sun, 12 May 2013 16:24:43 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> > wrote:
>
>> I've been buying the Tellicherry black peppercorns at Costco.
>
> What is the BFD about "Tellicherry" peppercorns? I've bought unnamed
> black peppercorns and I've bought "Tellicherry"... not because I
> wanted to buy them, but because that's what Costco sells. I don't
> understand why people feel the need to name it. It's pepper. Period.

Dunno. I only bought them because they were at Costco and it was the
cheapest peppercorns I could find. I just don't understand why these seem
so much different than the ones I bought prior.

On 5/13/2013 12:31 AM, sf wrote:
> On Sun, 12 May 2013 16:24:43 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> > wrote:
>
>> I've been buying the Tellicherry black peppercorns at Costco.
>
> What is the BFD about "Tellicherry" peppercorns? I've bought unnamed
> black peppercorns and I've bought "Tellicherry"... not because I
> wanted to buy them, but because that's what Costco sells. I don't
> understand why people feel the need to name it. It's pepper. Period.
>
What I don't understand is the obsession with "expiration" dates. She
wrote, "What I had, expired. I think maybe in 2011?" (This isn't the
first time she's brought up expiration dates.)

Yes, peppercorns and spices in general do lose potency over a long
period of time, sure. I don't see any reason to freak out or throw them
away because of some random date printed on a package.

Think of the time it took to transport spices from the Orient back in
the day (Marco Polo, anyone?). I'm pretty sure no one on the ship was
saying, "Hope for a good strong breeze, lads, these peppercorns are
going to expire!" LOL

Jill

On 5/13/2013 1:38 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
> "sf" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Sun, 12 May 2013 16:24:43 -0700, "Julie Bove"
>> > wrote:
>>
>>> I've been buying the Tellicherry black peppercorns at Costco.
>>
>> What is the BFD about "Tellicherry" peppercorns? I've bought unnamed
>> black peppercorns and I've bought "Tellicherry"... not because I
>> wanted to buy them, but because that's what Costco sells. I don't
>> understand why people feel the need to name it. It's pepper. Period.
>
> Dunno. I only bought them because they were at Costco and it was the
> cheapest peppercorns I could find. I just don't understand why these seem
> so much different than the ones I bought prior.
>
>
From what I can tell from reading RFC (no Costco near me) a lot of
items at Costco are hit or miss (or seasonal). They probably bought
this batch from a different supplier. That's what I'd expect from a
club/warehouse store.

Jill

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> On 5/13/2013 12:31 AM, sf wrote:
>> On Sun, 12 May 2013 16:24:43 -0700, "Julie Bove"
>> > wrote:
>>
>>> I've been buying the Tellicherry black peppercorns at Costco.
>>
>> What is the BFD about "Tellicherry" peppercorns? I've bought unnamed
>> black peppercorns and I've bought "Tellicherry"... not because I
>> wanted to buy them, but because that's what Costco sells. I don't
>> understand why people feel the need to name it. It's pepper. Period.
>>
> What I don't understand is the obsession with "expiration" dates. She
> wrote, "What I had, expired. I think maybe in 2011?" (This isn't the
> first time she's brought up expiration dates.)
>
I was led to check the date on the pepper because I noticed that I was
having to use more and more of it to get the taste that I preferred. Herbs
and spices do lose their flavor over time. There wasn't much pepper left in
the container so I tossed it, bought more and put the new stuff in my
grinder.

My mom always had really old spices as did my MIL. Neither of them pay any
mind to dates. I do. Because my mom always had weak spices, I would wind
up using sometimes twice the amount to get the right flavor and when it
comes to some things, this can lead to textural problems. Such as what
happened with my pepper. The food had a gritty quality to it because I had
put so much pepper in! As a kid, I made the mistake of buying a new
container of ground ginger and using twice as much of it! The cookies I
made with it were so spicy as to be inedible.

I had another expired product today. Rotel mild seasoned tomato sauce.
Only expired in April. Seemed fine. Tomatoes are one product I am leery of
when expired because the texture in particular can deteriorate.

We used to think that canned goods lasted forever. But now more and more
sources are cautioning us not to use ones that are too old because not only
can the contents deteriorate but the can can break down and sicken us if we
eat the contents. I have in fact found rusted cans in my cupboard. This
was some time back. The offenders are often tomato products (not always
expired) but the worst one was mushrooms! There was no date on those cans
so they may well have been pretty old. I will no longer buy canned
mushrooms. The can had rusted clear through and the contents had begun to
seep out.

> Yes, peppercorns and spices in general do lose potency over a long period
> of time, sure. I don't see any reason to freak out or throw them away
> because of some random date printed on a package.
>
I didn't freak out. But they *had* in fact lost their potency as I said
above. The loss of potency is what led me to check the jar. And when I
verified that the pepper was in fact old, I replaced it. The new jar seems
to be some smaller than the old one but since I don't have the old one to
compare, I guess I'll never know. Anyway... The pepper was cheap so no
biggie.

> Think of the time it took to transport spices from the Orient back in the
> day (Marco Polo, anyone?). I'm pretty sure no one on the ship was saying,
> "Hope for a good strong breeze, lads, these peppercorns are going to
> expire!" LOL

Well, you can eat all of the expired pepper that you want! I happen to
prefer mine to be fresh. It just tastes better.

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> On 5/13/2013 1:38 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
>> "sf" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On Sun, 12 May 2013 16:24:43 -0700, "Julie Bove"
>>> > wrote:
>>>
>>>> I've been buying the Tellicherry black peppercorns at Costco.
>>>
>>> What is the BFD about "Tellicherry" peppercorns? I've bought unnamed
>>> black peppercorns and I've bought "Tellicherry"... not because I
>>> wanted to buy them, but because that's what Costco sells. I don't
>>> understand why people feel the need to name it. It's pepper. Period.
>>
>> Dunno. I only bought them because they were at Costco and it was the
>> cheapest peppercorns I could find. I just don't understand why these
>> seem
>> so much different than the ones I bought prior.
>>
>>
> From what I can tell from reading RFC (no Costco near me) a lot of items
> at Costco are hit or miss (or seasonal). They probably bought this batch
> from a different supplier. That's what I'd expect from a club/warehouse
> store.

Yes, that could be. Sometimes the Kirkland items have the actual
manufacturer on them, such as the Hormel bacon. But I don't think the
pepper does. Am still annoyed with the hummus cups. They used to sell
really tasty stuff. But the Sabra that they sell now was inedible. Had a
really off taste to it. Probably the soybean oil that I think shouldn't be
in hummus. And they have other things that we like but they only get them
in maybe once or twice a year to even once every two years. I just never
know what they might have.

On 5/13/2013 6:06 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On 5/13/2013 1:38 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
>> From what I can tell from reading RFC (no Costco near me) a lot of items
>> at Costco are hit or miss (or seasonal). They probably bought this batch
>> from a different supplier. That's what I'd expect from a club/warehouse
>> store.
>
> Yes, that could be. Sometimes the Kirkland items have the actual
> manufacturer on them, such as the Hormel bacon. But I don't think the
> pepper does. Am still annoyed with the hummus cups. They used to sell
> really tasty stuff. But the Sabra that they sell now was inedible. Had a
> really off taste to it. Probably the soybean oil that I think shouldn't be
> in hummus. And they have other things that we like but they only get them
> in maybe once or twice a year to even once every two years. I just never
> know what they might have.
>
>
Hummus... don't care. But this is why I wouldn't shop at a
club/warehouse place even if there *was* one near me. I like
consistency. Not hit-or-miss shopping.

Jill

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> On 5/13/2013 6:06 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On 5/13/2013 1:38 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>> From what I can tell from reading RFC (no Costco near me) a lot of
>>> items
>>> at Costco are hit or miss (or seasonal). They probably bought this
>>> batch
>>> from a different supplier. That's what I'd expect from a club/warehouse
>>> store.
>>
>> Yes, that could be. Sometimes the Kirkland items have the actual
>> manufacturer on them, such as the Hormel bacon. But I don't think the
>> pepper does. Am still annoyed with the hummus cups. They used to sell
>> really tasty stuff. But the Sabra that they sell now was inedible. Had
>> a
>> really off taste to it. Probably the soybean oil that I think shouldn't
>> be
>> in hummus. And they have other things that we like but they only get
>> them
>> in maybe once or twice a year to even once every two years. I just never
>> know what they might have.
>>
>>
> Hummus... don't care. But this is why I wouldn't shop at a club/warehouse
> place even if there *was* one near me. I like consistency. Not
> hit-or-miss shopping.

I don't buy a lot there. But what I do buy saves me tons of money. For
instance, bagged salad and other produce. But I do not buy the potatoes or
onions because they are sold in such a very large quantity and the last time
I bought either one, about half were rotten. Also don't notice a good price
on raw chicken. But excellent prices on lunch meats and cheeses. Also
olive oil. And cat litter. Excellent price on food too but like so many
things they sell, you must buy an assortment pack. And my cats will only
eat the tuna. Also save a lot on paper products and some cosmetics.

But the items that I buy pretty much every week are bread and sliced apples.
Sometimes that is all that I buy. Husband and daughter like the little
packs of baby carrots but they don't always have them. Never during the
summer and usually do have throughout the school year but have not had the
last few times we were in.

On May 13, 5:53*am, jmcquown > wrote:
>
>But this is why I wouldn't shop at a
> club/warehouse place even if there *was* one near me. *I like
> consistency. *Not hit-or-miss shopping.
>
> Jill
>
>
I think Julie just likes to see her name on every thread and pull our
leg. I don't think there's a kitchen in her house. Nobody likes
anything, everybody has some wierd food allergy (real or imagined),
nobody eats because nobody lives there. 90% of her replies look like
dissertations for a college term paper.

On May 12, 7:24*pm, "Julie Bove" > wrote:
> I've been buying the Tellicherry black peppercorns at Costco. *What I had,
> expired. *I think maybe in 2011? *Not sure. *I had been using it and I
> noticed that I was having to use a lot more to get the right flavor. *Those
> peppercorns were very black and sort of cracked in my mill, leaving large
> chunks. *Those peppercorns were also very black, firm and smooth.
>
> The ones I just bought the other day seem to be in a smaller jar and have no
> expiration date on them. *The peppercorns are not smooth but wrinkled and
> they seem to be softer. *Also some are black but the others are more of a
> pale brown/grey. *I did not change the grind on the mill but when I grind
> them, I do not get the "crunchy" sound like I did before and there is no
> resistance. *The outside part of the peppercorns seems to just flake off in
> pieces and the inside just comes apart into soft little specks. *Totally
> different texture than before. *I am also using the same amount as I did
> before but not getting the same flavor. *There is a very strong peppery
> aroma though.
>
> So... *Why the difference? *Could the new pepper I bought be older still?
> Or maybe just each season gives a different taste/texture? *This doesn't
> necessarily seem bad but it is a different pepper texture than I am used to.
> I am used to having a bit of grit in there. *And this just isn't.

Like most items, there is a large difference in quality from different
suppliers. Obviously Costco does not buy the best quality. (In my
limited experience true for many items.)

For the naysayers, there is an enormous difference between top quality
spices and supermarket spices. Try buying some Tellicherry pepper
from Penzeys and you will notice the difference. There is more "snap"
to the flavor and there are aromatics you don't get with most other
pepper.

I would expect whole peppercorns to last longer than two years if
properly sealed and kept in the dark. It will lose a little but not
enough to throw it out.

As an aside I was surprised by Parmesan Reggiano I bought at the local
"superior" supermarket. I knew there was a big difference between one
source and another for this cheese. However, what I bought was barely
worth using.

http://www.richardfisher/com

On 5/13/2013 11:54 AM, Sqwertz wrote:
> On Mon, 13 May 2013 06:53:17 -0400, jmcquown wrote:
>
>> Hummus... don't care. But this is why I wouldn't shop at a
>> club/warehouse place even if there *was* one near me. I like
>> consistency. Not hit-or-miss shopping.
>
> Costco is very consistent about the quality of stuff they sell. I
> don't know where you got the "inconsistent" remarks - hopefully not
> from listening to Julie.

If I didn't trust or like the quality of what they sold, I
wouldn't buy so much from them. If you don't like something,
return it, no problem. They will ask if something is wrong with
it.

Otherwise, much of the stock is very consistent, you will find it
on the shelf every time. Other things are seasonal, of course, like
most any store, and some things you might find once and not see it
again. I can say that about my supermarket.

I wish they had this cous cous mint salad I tried once, it was
really good, but that's the way it goes.

nancy

On 5/13/2013 12:28 PM, Nancy Young wrote:
> On 5/13/2013 11:54 AM, Sqwertz wrote:
>> On Mon, 13 May 2013 06:53:17 -0400, jmcquown wrote:
>>
>>> Hummus... don't care. But this is why I wouldn't shop at a
>>> club/warehouse place even if there *was* one near me. I like
>>> consistency. Not hit-or-miss shopping.
>>
>> Costco is very consistent about the quality of stuff they sell. I
>> don't know where you got the "inconsistent" remarks - hopefully not
>> from listening to Julie.
>
> If I didn't trust or like the quality of what they sold, I
> wouldn't buy so much from them. If you don't like something,
> return it, no problem. They will ask if something is wrong with
> it.
>
> Otherwise, much of the stock is very consistent, you will find it
> on the shelf every time. Other things are seasonal, of course, like
> most any store, and some things you might find once and not see it
> again. I can say that about my supermarket.
>
> I wish they had this cous cous mint salad I tried once, it was
> really good, but that's the way it goes.
>
> nancy

Couscous is ridiculously simple to prepare and even Martha Stewart has a
recipe using mint:
http://www.marthastewart.com/336790/minted-couscous

--
Jim Silverton (Potomac, MD)

Extraneous "not." in Reply To.

On Monday, May 13, 2013 3:26:07 AM UTC-6, jmcquown wrote:
> On 5/13/2013 12:31 AM, sf wrote:
>
> > On Sun, 12 May 2013 16:24:43 -0700, "Julie Bove"
>
> > > wrote:
>
> >
>
> >> I've been buying the Tellicherry black peppercorns at Costco.
>
> >
>
> > What is the BFD about "Tellicherry" peppercorns? I've bought unnamed
>
> > black peppercorns and I've bought "Tellicherry"... not because I
>
> > wanted to buy them, but because that's what Costco sells. I don't
>
> > understand why people feel the need to name it. It's pepper. Period.
>
> >
>
> What I don't understand is the obsession with "expiration" dates. She
>
> wrote, "What I had, expired. I think maybe in 2011?" (This isn't the
>
> first time she's brought up expiration dates.)
>
>
>
> Yes, peppercorns and spices in general do lose potency over a long
>
> period of time, sure. I don't see any reason to freak out or throw them
>
> away because of some random date printed on a package.
>
>
>
> Think of the time it took to transport spices from the Orient back in
>
> the day (Marco Polo, anyone?). I'm pretty sure no one on the ship was
>
> saying, "Hope for a good strong breeze, lads, these peppercorns are
>
> going to expire!" LOL
>
>
>
> Jill

LOL...I love your sense of humour.

On 5/13/2013 12:39 PM, James Silverton wrote:
> On 5/13/2013 12:28 PM, Nancy Young wrote:

>> I wish they had this cous cous mint salad I tried once, it was
>> really good, but that's the way it goes.

> Couscous is ridiculously simple to prepare and even Martha Stewart has a
> recipe using mint:
> http://www.marthastewart.com/336790/minted-couscous

Thank you. I did look for a recipe and this one looks close to
the packaged salad. The cucumber was chopped quite small:

http://tinyurl.com/ckecrse


1 cup Pearl Couscous
1 1/2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup fresh mint
salt


Preparation
Prepare couscous in chicken broth(rather than water) per package
directions. Drain and allow to cool.
In a bowl whisk together vinegar, lemon juice and olive oil. To the
couscous add the dressing, cucumber and mint. Toss well and serve. May
be made several hours in advance and kept covered and chilled.

nancy

On May 13, 5:26*am, jmcquown >
>
> Yes, peppercorns and spices in general do lose potency over a long
> period of time, sure. *I don't see any reason to freak out or throw them
> away because of some random date printed on a package.
>
> Think of the time it took to transport spices from the Orient back in
> the day (Marco Polo, anyone?). *I'm pretty sure no one on the ship was
> saying, "Hope for a good strong breeze, lads, these peppercorns are
> going to expire!" LOL
>
> Jill

As you say, I don't think they were worried. Lucky they weren't
transporting New Zealand lamb to England!
!

On Mon, 13 May 2013 05:26:07 -0400, jmcquown >
wrote:

> On 5/13/2013 12:31 AM, sf wrote:
> > On Sun, 12 May 2013 16:24:43 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> > > wrote:
> >
> >> I've been buying the Tellicherry black peppercorns at Costco.
> >
> > What is the BFD about "Tellicherry" peppercorns? I've bought unnamed
> > black peppercorns and I've bought "Tellicherry"... not because I
> > wanted to buy them, but because that's what Costco sells. I don't
> > understand why people feel the need to name it. It's pepper. Period.
> >
> What I don't understand is the obsession with "expiration" dates. She
> wrote, "What I had, expired. I think maybe in 2011?" (This isn't the
> first time she's brought up expiration dates.)
>
> Yes, peppercorns and spices in general do lose potency over a long
> period of time, sure. I don't see any reason to freak out or throw them
> away because of some random date printed on a package.
>
> Think of the time it took to transport spices from the Orient back in
> the day (Marco Polo, anyone?). I'm pretty sure no one on the ship was
> saying, "Hope for a good strong breeze, lads, these peppercorns are
> going to expire!" LOL
>
Agreed! Sheesh. I've had peppercorns practically forever and never
even thought about checking for an "expiration date". Whole anything
keeps a long, long time. It's pepper, you grind it and it tastes
fresh.


--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

On 5/13/2013 11:54 AM, Sqwertz wrote:
> On Mon, 13 May 2013 06:53:17 -0400, jmcquown wrote:
>
>> Hummus... don't care. But this is why I wouldn't shop at a
>> club/warehouse place even if there *was* one near me. I like
>> consistency. Not hit-or-miss shopping.
>
> Costco is very consistent about the quality of stuff they sell. I
> don't know where you got the "inconsistent" remarks - hopefully not
> from listening to Julie.
>
> -sw
>
I probably get that impression because of the many discussions of
(Kirkland?) olive oil. It seems if it's available in one store someone
else will say they their Costco doesn't have it. <shrug>

Jill

On 5/13/2013 1:34 PM, Roy wrote:
>> Think of the time it took to transport spices from the Orient back in
>> >
>> >the day (Marco Polo, anyone?). I'm pretty sure no one on the ship was
>> >
>> >saying, "Hope for a good strong breeze, lads, these peppercorns are
>> >
>> >going to expire!" LOL
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >Jill
> LOL...I love your sense of humour.
>
I'm glad someone does.

Jill

On 13/05/2013 5:36 AM, jmcquown wrote:

>>
> From what I can tell from reading RFC (no Costco near me) a lot of
> items at Costco are hit or miss (or seasonal). They probably bought
> this batch from a different supplier. That's what I'd expect from a
> club/warehouse store.
>
>

I think you're right. I don't often go to Costco. The times I do go they
usually don't have what I am looking for. When I had an active
membership I once got a great deal on shrimp from Newfoundland. They
were a good price and they were delicious, and I never saw them there
again.

On 5/13/2013 4:00 PM, Sqwertz wrote:
> On Mon, 13 May 2013 15:49:14 -0400, jmcquown wrote:
>
>>> Costco is very consistent about the quality of stuff they sell. I
>>> don't know where you got the "inconsistent" remarks - hopefully not
>>> from listening to Julie.
>>>
>> I probably get that impression because of the many discussions of
>> (Kirkland?) olive oil. It seems if it's available in one store someone
>> else will say they their Costco doesn't have it. <shrug>
>
> Sure. Costcos carry different things in different parts of the
> country - just like any grocery store. I'm sure the olive oil, for
> example, is sent to the stores that can rid of it the quickest when
> stock is low. But that doesn't have anything to do with quality
> consistency.
>
> -sw
>
I'll take your word for it.

Jill

Well apparently there is a lack of black pepper afficionados around here. Not sure what the membership places are selling but the Tellicherry variety of black pepper is at the top of the rank in most desirable flavor..with Malabar coming in 2nd. Not sure what comes after that..Kroger brand maybe? Go snag a bag of one of these. Betcha it will be very good.


Chile Peppers, Spices, Explore Our Incredible Variety of Chili Pepper Products

On 13/05/2013 3:07 PM, sf wrote:

>>
> Agreed! Sheesh. I've had peppercorns practically forever and never
> even thought about checking for an "expiration date". Whole anything
> keeps a long, long time. It's pepper, you grind it and it tastes
> fresh.
>
>

And if there is not enough pepper taste......add some more.

On 5/13/2013 3:49 PM, jmcquown wrote:
> On 5/13/2013 11:54 AM, Sqwertz wrote:

>> Costco is very consistent about the quality of stuff they sell. I
>> don't know where you got the "inconsistent" remarks - hopefully not
>> from listening to Julie.

> I probably get that impression because of the many discussions of
> (Kirkland?) olive oil. It seems if it's available in one store someone
> else will say they their Costco doesn't have it. <shrug>

That's because they bottle an amount of extra virgin olive oil
every year, and divvy that among the stores. When it's gone,
it's gone. They carry other olive oil, but if you want their
Tuscano oil, it comes in some time after the harvest.

nancy

On 5/13/2013 3:29 PM, Sqwertz wrote:
> On Mon, 13 May 2013 14:30:22 -0400, Nancy Young wrote:
>
>> Thank you. I did look for a recipe and this one looks close to
>> the packaged salad. The cucumber was chopped quite small:
>>
>> http://tinyurl.com/ckecrse
>>
>> 1 cup Pearl Couscous
>> 1 1/2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar
>> 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
>> 1/4 cup olive oil
>> 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
>> 1/2 cup fresh mint
>> salt
>
> I'd be tempted to add some allspice to that, too.

I'm having trouble picturing that, so to speak. When I do get
around to making this, I'll try this in some.

nancy

On 5/13/2013 2:37 PM, Helpful person wrote:
> On May 13, 5:26 am, jmcquown >
>>
>> Yes, peppercorns and spices in general do lose potency over a long
>> period of time, sure. I don't see any reason to freak out or throw them
>> away because of some random date printed on a package.
>>
>> Think of the time it took to transport spices from the Orient back in
>> the day (Marco Polo, anyone?). I'm pretty sure no one on the ship was
>> saying, "Hope for a good strong breeze, lads, these peppercorns are
>> going to expire!" LOL
>>
>> Jill
>
> As you say, I don't think they were worried. Lucky they weren't
> transporting New Zealand lamb to England!
> !
>
I don't want to think about how those lambs may have been abused on the
ship.

Jill

"Sqwertz" > wrote in message
...
> On Mon, 13 May 2013 03:03:23 -0700, Julie Bove wrote:
>
>> The offenders are often tomato products (not always
>> expired) but the worst one was mushrooms! There was no date on those
>> cans
>> so they may well have been pretty old. I will no longer buy canned
>> mushrooms. The can had rusted clear through and the contents had begun
>> to
>> seep out.
>
> You won't buy canned mushrooms because you left a can on the shelf so
> long on the shelf that they leaked? That doesn't seem very logical,
> does it?

I won't buy them because I never used them! I got them on sale and figured
they would be good to keep onhand. I used to buy the dried from Costco but
then could never use all of them before they went bad. And I can always buy
fresh. But... Nobody in this house is fond of mushrooms and I was mainly
only using them to make faux cream of soup. But now that daughter can have
dairy and wheat, she can have the condensed soup, which I only use maybe 4-6
times a year. Really no need for any mushrooms now.
>
> That's the same kind of defective logic that makes you think you're
> allergic - or excuse me, "Intolerant" - to all sorts of foods.

No. You put two and two together and got five. If I bought something and
kept it around long enough that the can came undone, I obviously didn't need
whatever it was.
>
> The deal with your pepper was that it was probably 304 years old and
> now you're using fresher pepper that hasn't dried out as much and
> gotten brittle. A simple deduction not worth fretting (or posting)
> about.

Thanks! But I just never have seen any pepper with this texture before.

wrote:
> On May 13, 5:53 am, jmcquown > wrote:
>>
>> But this is why I wouldn't shop at a
>> club/warehouse place even if there *was* one near me. I like
>> consistency. Not hit-or-miss shopping.
>>
>> Jill
>>
>>
> I think Julie just likes to see her name on every thread and pull our
> leg. I don't think there's a kitchen in her house. Nobody likes
> anything, everybody has some wierd food allergy (real or imagined),
> nobody eats because nobody lives there. 90% of her replies look like
> dissertations for a college term paper.

Nonsense.

Sqwertz wrote:
> On Mon, 13 May 2013 06:53:17 -0400, jmcquown wrote:
>
>> Hummus... don't care. But this is why I wouldn't shop at a
>> club/warehouse place even if there *was* one near me. I like
>> consistency. Not hit-or-miss shopping.
>
> Costco is very consistent about the quality of stuff they sell. I
> don't know where you got the "inconsistent" remarks - hopefully not
> from listening to Julie.

I never said that. My beef with them is that they will get something once
or twice that I like and then they might never have it again or not have it
again for a very long time. I look for the Tillamoos every time I am in.
They have by far the best price on them. Winco had them once. Haven't seen
them again. Smart and Final/Cash and Carry had them once but they told me
it was a mistake and they don't normally stock them.

Nancy Young wrote:
> On 5/13/2013 11:54 AM, Sqwertz wrote:
>> On Mon, 13 May 2013 06:53:17 -0400, jmcquown wrote:
>>
>>> Hummus... don't care. But this is why I wouldn't shop at a
>>> club/warehouse place even if there *was* one near me. I like
>>> consistency. Not hit-or-miss shopping.
>>
>> Costco is very consistent about the quality of stuff they sell. I
>> don't know where you got the "inconsistent" remarks - hopefully not
>> from listening to Julie.
>
> If I didn't trust or like the quality of what they sold, I
> wouldn't buy so much from them. If you don't like something,
> return it, no problem. They will ask if something is wrong with
> it.
>
> Otherwise, much of the stock is very consistent, you will find it
> on the shelf every time. Other things are seasonal, of course, like
> most any store, and some things you might find once and not see it
> again. I can say that about my supermarket.
>
> I wish they had this cous cous mint salad I tried once, it was
> really good, but that's the way it goes.

I had that too. I found it to be okay. Can't remember now what it was that
I didn't particularly like. I ate t but I wouldn't want to buy it again.

On Mon, 13 May 2013 16:19:56 -0400, Dave Smith
> wrote:

> On 13/05/2013 5:36 AM, jmcquown wrote:
>
> >>
> > From what I can tell from reading RFC (no Costco near me) a lot of
> > items at Costco are hit or miss (or seasonal). They probably bought
> > this batch from a different supplier. That's what I'd expect from a
> > club/warehouse store.
> >
> >
>
> I think you're right. I don't often go to Costco. The times I do go they
> usually don't have what I am looking for. When I had an active
> membership I once got a great deal on shrimp from Newfoundland. They
> were a good price and they were delicious, and I never saw them there
> again.
>

Don't expect them to serve as a regular grocery store. Attitudes like
that is what ruined Trader Joe's... although I do like the new TJ
think of guaranteeing a GMO free product if their name is on it. I
wish Costco would do that too.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

On Mon, 13 May 2013 16:40:18 -0400, Dave Smith
> wrote:

> On 13/05/2013 3:07 PM, sf wrote:
>
> >>
> > Agreed! Sheesh. I've had peppercorns practically forever and never
> > even thought about checking for an "expiration date". Whole anything
> > keeps a long, long time. It's pepper, you grind it and it tastes
> > fresh.
> >
> >
>
> And if there is not enough pepper taste......add some more.

It was the add more part that started Julie off.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

jmcquown wrote:
> On 5/13/2013 11:54 AM, Sqwertz wrote:
>> On Mon, 13 May 2013 06:53:17 -0400, jmcquown wrote:
>>
>>> Hummus... don't care. But this is why I wouldn't shop at a
>>> club/warehouse place even if there *was* one near me. I like
>>> consistency. Not hit-or-miss shopping.
>>
>> Costco is very consistent about the quality of stuff they sell. I
>> don't know where you got the "inconsistent" remarks - hopefully not
>> from listening to Julie.
>>
>> -sw
>>
> I probably get that impression because of the many discussions of
> (Kirkland?) olive oil. It seems if it's available in one store
> someone else will say they their Costco doesn't have it. <shrug>

Costcos are different sizes and just because one carries something doesn't
mean that another will. There are three that I know of in this area that
sell the bread we like but the Everett store does not. Another complaint I
have is that the stores are not all set up the same way and they tend to
move at least some of their stock around a lot! You remember where
something was one time and the next time it will be in a totally different
part of the store.

Helpful person wrote:
> On May 12, 7:24 pm, "Julie Bove" > wrote:
>> I've been buying the Tellicherry black peppercorns at Costco. What I
>> had, expired. I think maybe in 2011? Not sure. I had been using it
>> and I
>> noticed that I was having to use a lot more to get the right flavor.
>> Those peppercorns were very black and sort of cracked in my mill,
>> leaving large chunks. Those peppercorns were also very black, firm
>> and smooth.
>>
>> The ones I just bought the other day seem to be in a smaller jar and
>> have no expiration date on them. The peppercorns are not smooth but
>> wrinkled and they seem to be softer. Also some are black but the
>> others are more of a pale brown/grey. I did not change the grind on
>> the mill but when I grind them, I do not get the "crunchy" sound
>> like I did before and there is no resistance. The outside part of
>> the peppercorns seems to just flake off in pieces and the inside
>> just comes apart into soft little specks. Totally different texture
>> than before. I am also using the same amount as I did before but not
>> getting the same flavor. There is a very strong peppery aroma though.
>>
>> So... Why the difference? Could the new pepper I bought be older
>> still?
>> Or maybe just each season gives a different taste/texture? This
>> doesn't necessarily seem bad but it is a different pepper texture
>> than I am used to. I am used to having a bit of grit in there. And
>> this just isn't.
>
> Like most items, there is a large difference in quality from different
> suppliers. Obviously Costco does not buy the best quality. (In my
> limited experience true for many items.)
>
> For the naysayers, there is an enormous difference between top quality
> spices and supermarket spices. Try buying some Tellicherry pepper
> from Penzeys and you will notice the difference. There is more "snap"
> to the flavor and there are aromatics you don't get with most other
> pepper.
>
> I would expect whole peppercorns to last longer than two years if
> properly sealed and kept in the dark. It will lose a little but not
> enough to throw it out.
>
> As an aside I was surprised by Parmesan Reggiano I bought at the local
> "superior" supermarket. I knew there was a big difference between one
> source and another for this cheese. However, what I bought was barely
> worth using.
>
> http://www.richardfisher/com

I have only used this new stuff a few times but it doesn't seem to have much
of a bite to it at all. I have never ordered from Penzy's and probably
wouldn't. I do order from Great American Spice. I will try some of their
pepper the next time I buy from them.

sf wrote:
> On Mon, 13 May 2013 05:26:07 -0400, jmcquown >
> wrote:
>
>> On 5/13/2013 12:31 AM, sf wrote:
>>> On Sun, 12 May 2013 16:24:43 -0700, "Julie Bove"
>>> > wrote:
>>>
>>>> I've been buying the Tellicherry black peppercorns at Costco.
>>>
>>> What is the BFD about "Tellicherry" peppercorns? I've bought
>>> unnamed black peppercorns and I've bought "Tellicherry"... not
>>> because I wanted to buy them, but because that's what Costco sells.
>>> I don't understand why people feel the need to name it. It's
>>> pepper. Period.
>>>
>> What I don't understand is the obsession with "expiration" dates.
>> She wrote, "What I had, expired. I think maybe in 2011?" (This
>> isn't the first time she's brought up expiration dates.)
>>
>> Yes, peppercorns and spices in general do lose potency over a long
>> period of time, sure. I don't see any reason to freak out or throw
>> them away because of some random date printed on a package.
>>
>> Think of the time it took to transport spices from the Orient back in
>> the day (Marco Polo, anyone?). I'm pretty sure no one on the ship
>> was saying, "Hope for a good strong breeze, lads, these peppercorns
>> are going to expire!" LOL
>>
> Agreed! Sheesh. I've had peppercorns practically forever and never
> even thought about checking for an "expiration date". Whole anything
> keeps a long, long time. It's pepper, you grind it and it tastes
> fresh.

This pepper for sure did not taste fresh. That's why I checked. I even put
the ones that I tossed down the garbage disposal and there was barely any
aroma. Normally I fill my grinder over the sink in case a couple of corns
miss the grinder. When I put those loose corns down the disposal it makes
me want to sneeze. But these did nothing.

Dave Smith wrote:
> On 13/05/2013 3:07 PM, sf wrote:
>
>>>
>> Agreed! Sheesh. I've had peppercorns practically forever and never
>> even thought about checking for an "expiration date". Whole
>> anything keeps a long, long time. It's pepper, you grind it and it
>> tastes fresh.
>>
>>
>
> And if there is not enough pepper taste......add some more.

I did! But I was having to add so much that it gave the food a gritty
quality. I'm talking like adding 2 teaspoons to a bowl of mashed potatoes
for one! Granted I love my pepper but this was ridiculous!

The other thing was that the old pepper was very hard. This new pepper is
quite soft and sort of breaks into flakes when I grind it. I have never
seen that before. Have only seen the hard kind.

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Mon, 13 May 2013 16:40:18 -0400, Dave Smith
> > wrote:
>
>> On 13/05/2013 3:07 PM, sf wrote:
>>
>> >>
>> > Agreed! Sheesh. I've had peppercorns practically forever and never
>> > even thought about checking for an "expiration date". Whole anything
>> > keeps a long, long time. It's pepper, you grind it and it tastes
>> > fresh.
>> >
>> >
>>
>> And if there is not enough pepper taste......add some more.
>
> It was the add more part that started Julie off.

Yes.

On Mon, 13 May 2013 14:29:56 -0500, Sqwertz >
wrote:

>On Mon, 13 May 2013 14:30:22 -0400, Nancy Young wrote:
>
>> Thank you. I did look for a recipe and this one looks close to
>> the packaged salad. The cucumber was chopped quite small:
>>
>> http://tinyurl.com/ckecrse
>>
>> 1 cup Pearl Couscous
>> 1 1/2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar
>> 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
>> 1/4 cup olive oil
>> 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
>> 1/2 cup fresh mint
>> salt
>
>I'd be tempted to add some allspice to that, too.
>
>-sw
I'd add a little cumin ;o)
Janet US

"Sqwertz" > wrote in message
...
> On Mon, 13 May 2013 15:18:47 -0700, Julie Bove wrote:
>
>> I never said that. My beef with them is that they will get something
>> once
>> or twice that I like and then they might never have it again or not have
>> it
>> again for a very long time. I look for the Tillamoos every time I am in.
>> They have by far the best price on them. Winco had them once. Haven't
>> seen
>> them again. Smart and Final/Cash and Carry had them once but they told
>> me
>> it was a mistake and they don't normally stock them.
>
> You keep mentioning "tillamoos" - WTF are they? Some sort of cross
> between a groundhog and a cow?
>
> -sw

They're an award winning medium cheddar.

http://www.tillamook.com/products/Ch...-Moos-110.html

"Sqwertz" > wrote in message
...
> On Mon, 13 May 2013 21:32:04 -0700, Julie Bove wrote:
>
>> "Sqwertz" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>
>>> You keep mentioning "tillamoos" - WTF are they? Some sort of cross
>>> between a groundhog and a cow?
>>
>> They're an award winning medium cheddar.
>>
>> http://www.tillamook.com/products/Ch...-Moos-110.html
>
> Oh. Cute. I did search for them but I didn't hyphenate it.

Sorry. Didn't realize that there was one. But by going to that link I see
that I can order a bag of 52, which I just did!