incsiodsetco
Kirkland Signa sea salt pepperco&ture rn
grınders
SALT AND PEPPER are the
workhorses of the spice
family. Because they’re
used so often, Costco came
up with the idea for Kirkland
Signature™ Mediterranean
sea salt and Tellicherry black
peppercorns in grinders. The
sleek grinders are disposable, recyclable and adjust
from coarse to fine grind.
PHOTOS: IRIDIO PHO TOGRAPH Y
Gourmet spice collection
The 12.7-ounce sea salt
and 6.3-ounce peppercorn
grinders are sized to serve
the needs of family and
restaurant kitchens. They’re
also attractive enough to
bring out from the
cabinet and display
on the counter.
offers savory selections
The two
grinders are sold
separately, says
Costco buyer
Teresa Noonan,
but the price of
two is less than
what mem-bers
would pay for a
single unit elsewhere.—SEP
SPICES HAVE A RICH and exotic history. It is cinnamon from Vietnam and Tellicherry black pep-
said that they were used as a form of currency percornsfrom the Malabar Coast of India. Sourcing
as early as 1000 B.C., and centuries later Chris- spices from native regions sets McCormick a step
topher Columbus stumbled upon above its competitors, assuring the most full-bodied
America while looking for a shortcut and authentic flavors.
to the Spice Islands. When possible, 100 percent organic spices are
Spices remain an exotic addition used in the collection. Those include basil, oregano,
to any pantry—revealing a cook’s rosemary and thyme leaves and dill weed.
adventurous side. Luckily, they’re a “Our members should find the new container
lot easier to find these days. A walk sizes convenient for home use, but big enough to be
down Costco’s spice aisle reveals a used in a restaurant’s kitchen,” says Costco buyer
revamped spice selection featuring Teresa Noonan.
some of McCormick’s Gourmet Because McCormick’s Gourmet Collection
Collection. Not only has the packag- meets Costco’s high standards, members are getting
ing changed, but the contents have more color, particle size and flavor for their money.
been upgraded as well. “We want to encourage people to try all of our
Spices in McCormick’s Gour- spices,” says Teresa. “We want this to be the most
met Collection are harvested from tantalizing category out there.”
indigenous sources, such as Saigon —Stephanie E. Ponder
A new way to buy chicken
BUYING FRESH FOODS in large quantities is a In some packages, easy-to-tear
great way to save money—the price per pound for perforated pouches are provided to
larger packages is typically lower than for small give you more control over what to
packages. But a problem with large quantities is freeze. “The new packaging eliminates
storing the food that’s not immediately used. the need to bag or rewrap the unused
Costco and its poultry suppliers have come up pieces before freezing,” says Bob. “And
with a handy solution. Several fresh cuts, such as since each pouch is professionally sealed,
Kirkland Signature boneless, skinless chicken the chance of freezer burn is greatly reduced.”
breasts, are being offered in individual pouches Bob says the new packaging is just
packed in a large package. The pouches make it easy another step in offering value to Costco
to take what you need and freeze the rest. members. Costco’s price for Kirkland
“This new packaging is user-friendly,” says Bob Signature fresh chicken is as much as 40
Huskey, a Costco meat buyer. “Few people go percent lower than national retailers’
through an entire package of our fresh chicken in a prices. Plus, no hormones are
single meal. Now, you just take what you need and added to Kirkland Signature
put the rest in the freezer.” chicken.
FRANCE FREEMAN
The number of pieces per pouch depends Bobconfirms,“Allofourpoultry
on the cut. In the case of Kirkland Signature boneless, is a great value for our members. This
skinless breasts, each pouch contains two pieces of new packaging just adds to that value.”
chicken. The entire package contains 12 to 16 pieces. —Tim Talevich
