Blog / Spice guides
Whole or ground? Choosing your spices
3 min read · By the Ellara Ceylon team
Whole spices keep their aroma longer, because their oils stay sealed inside until you crack or grind them. Ground spices are convenient and quick to use.
Buy whole for
Black pepper, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon quills and anything you use slowly. Grind a little at a time with a grinder, mortar or microplane.
Buy ground for
Spices you use weekly, spice rubs, baking and quick sauces: ground cinnamon, chili powder and curry blends.
A simple rule: if a tin will last you more than a few months, buy it whole.
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