We are passionate about cooking and search all over the world for the finest spices available. With the exeption of Fleur de Sel, all of the spices we carry can be used in mills with the incredible CrushGrind mechanism.

Sea water contains 84 different mineral elements, and these same minerals are found in our body. According to modern medical research, 24 of these elements are essential for life (you will die without them), and many researchers believe that we need all 84, in proper balance, of course. Loss of these elements creates a dietary deficiency, which can lead to serious disorders of the nervous system, brain damage, muscle damage or other serious illnesses.

Some researchers believe that these minerals are essential to help prevent cancer, exhaustion, memory loss, rapid aging, obesity, water retention, ulcers, poor teeth and bones, decreased sex drive, and other serious conditions.

The way refined table salt is made extracts 82 out of the 84 mineral elements. This is why we are strong believers in the use of sea salt for everyday cooking. Its use helps preserve the natural mineral balance of our bodies and wakes-up the taste of our food.

Before the nineteenth century, pepper was regarded as a luxury for the upper classes. Often scarce, it was as valuable as money. In medieval times, peppercorns were legal tender.

Today, peppercorns are widely available and affordable. Nearly every culture uses both black and white pepper in the preparation of savory dishes. Pepper is an excellent seasoning for virtually every food.

Peppercorns are the fruit of Piper nigrum, an evergreen climbing vine native to the jungles of India's Malabar Coast. As demand for pepper grew, cultivation spread. India continues to be a major producer but the Indonesian islands and Malaysia also make great contributions to world trade.

Black, white and green peppercorns are all products of the same plant but each is harvested and handled differently. The berries grow in clusters on vines that reach 30 feet or more. The vines are cultivated on small plots that must be tended to carefully. The vine is trained to grow onto support posts, regular weeding and fertilizers are mandatory and shade from the sun is sometimes necessary. A vine will not yield a crop until after the third year and does not go into full production until around the seventh year. The clustered spikes of perhaps 50 berries are hand-picked at just the right time for the desired black, white or green peppercorns.

The pink peppercorn is not actually a member of the pepper family although it is often marketed as such. This faintly sweet spice from Reunion Island does a great job of enhancing the flavor of you favorite meal.