Tammy of Spice Hound can guide you through the world of herbs and spices. Based out of Sunnyvale, this local Bay Area company goes out in search of herbs, spices, and salts from across the globe. You might just come across something that you can’t find at your local grocery store just by browsing Spice Hound’s Online Store.

Tammy and I met this weekend at the Connoisseur’s Marketplace in Menlo Park. The array of salts that Tammy had on display was enough to stop me in awe.

Sure I was familiar with a few special salts like Fleur de Sel and Pink Hawaiian Salt, but nothing like what Spice Hound had on display. More exotic choices like Porcini Mushroom Sea Salt, Black Truffle Sea Salt, and Hawaiian Black Lava Sea Salt, is a sample of what kind of salts you can expect from Spice Hound. To know that Spice Hound had salts that were infused with these amazing flavors was incredible. You don’t have to be a gourmet cook to try out these salts either. Just let your creative cooking self out or follow what the label suggests. I was tempted to buy a jar of the Porcini Mushroom Salt after reading that it would be wonderful for risotto. I could only imagine the aroma that the salt would have created.

Tammy and I talked about how her interest in salts before the food trend of specialty salts being the “it” thing. Whether it’s being ahead of food trends or just having a genuine passion for what she does, Tammy is in the right business. It shows. I said to myself, “Who else better to talk to than the team of Spice Hound, when you’re in search of specialty salts or spices.”

You can check out some of Spice Hound’s offerings on their website. Or better yet, try to see Tammy in person at one of the following farmers markets:

Thursdays 4-8 P.M. in San Carlos (on Laurel St. between Cherry and Olive St.)

Fridays 10 A.M.-2 P.M. in Downtown San Jose (San Pedro Square)

Saturdays 8 A.M.-1 P.M. in Palo Alto (Gilman between Hamilton and Forest St.)

Sundays 9 A.M-1 P.M in Campbell (Campbell Ave. at Central Ave.)

Uncie Ro’s Organic Artisan Pizzas