Spices lose flavor as they age, so buy in small quantities and replenish often.
Nuts are seasonal. Because they may still be in the shell, we can often be misled into thinking that they will keep for long periods of time. It isn't always easy to know how fresh they are, but where possible, buy the freshest. (Check "What's in Season, and When" for guidance.)
A note about saffron: Greek saffron is very high quality and often costs less than saffron originating in other countries - although the price is still high. Choose Greek saffron with confidence and save a little.
~ Contributor: Your Guide (a yiayia many times over)
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