Seasoned Pioneers

'Helping adventurous souls achieve culinary inspiration' is the stated aim of this fledgling herb and spice company. Experimental gourmets who love exploring foreign cuisines will love the range - several items in which are organic - and this small information site that promotes it. Key is the fact that glass jars and exposure to light encourage deterioration of herbs and spices, so Seasoned Pioneers' products are available in little resealable foil pouches that look funky enough to keep on display in the kitchen if so desired. The site explains the basics of using spices and herbs to best culinary effect, and ingredients and recipes can be browsed by national cuisine, by product type, alphabetically, and so on. Online ordering was promised at hte time of our visit. The company will send items out by post if you (free-) phone, fax or mail your orders, and promise to send the order out first class within three working days. . This is worth checking out, not least because small packs of spices are some of the few food items that can be put throough the average letterbox and don't require a wait-in or a signature.