I Know It's a Long Shot...

[danemodsandy]

...But this is one of maybe three discussion lists in the world where I could post this without anyone thinking I'm crazy, LOL.

I have two McCormick spice racks, designed expressly for their bottles. One rack is missing four bottles, and the other is missing all of them. I am trying to find thirty empty vintage McCormick bottles to fill them back up. The ones I'm looking for are the ones we all grew up with; they have grey-green tops. McCormick still makes the same bottle, but now it has a black top (which I don't like), and of course, the price of thirty filled bottles of McCormick spices would get Donald Trump's attention!

Here's a vintage 1961 ad showing the bottles- most everyone here will recognise them instantly. Does anyone have a bunch lurking in the basement or attic, or does anyone know of a supply somewhere?

Thanks!

 

[volvoguy87]

Bottles.

Could you use new bottles with old caps? I don't have any of either, but you never know what you might find here in Washerland.

Good luck,
Dave

 

[danemodsandy]

Dave:

"Could you use new bottles with old caps? I don't have any of either, but you never know what you might find here in Washerland."

It's like my love life- while I do have something specific in mind, I'm happy to consider reasonable alternatives.

In other words, old caps would certainly help!

 

[veg-o-matic]

I'll keep my eyes peeled. Unfortunately, McCormick just ran that ad campaign telling everyone to throw out their bottles that look like that because the spices are too old.

veg

 

[rp2813]

I think I may be able to locate a few. I will check at my mom's. She may have some.

I did just notice over the weekend that a recently purchased jar had the new black cap on it. Interesting that I pulled up AW within about an hour of noticing that, and there was your post!

 

[frontaloadotmy]

I think I have a few Sandy

I'll let you know.

 

[danemodsandy]

Thanks, Guys!

I'll look forward to seeing if your mom has any, Ralph.

Just FYI, here's what I'm trying to fill back up- the pic on the left is the rack I have two of. These are vintage, with a Danish Modern look. On the right is the new version, which I wouldn't want, since it's country in appearance. Both versions are made by McCormick. They come new with filled bottles, and retail for between $75-100, which is a little nertz, plus you don't get to choose what's in the bottles. I have dozens of spices already; I'll just transfer them to McCormick bottles when the time comes. Labels are easily done on the printer.

Anyway, the search continues...

 

[oldhouseman]

Keeping an eye out

We frequently go to second hand shops and antique malls on weekends. I'll keep an eye out for you and see what we can find here in Georgia. Be patient and I'm sure you will find all you're looking for. How many do you need (or want)? These tend to show up in a couple of shops here from time to time. I have seen the set in tact and sometimes missing a few bottles. Would you be interested in a full rack if I find one (at reasonable cost of course). Partially full rack?

 

[sudsmaster]

Why not grow an herb garden instead... ;-)

Just kidding.

I might have a couple of the old style McCormick bottles, I'll check later today.

But seriously, fresh herbs are worlds better than irradiated dried ones... with only maybe a few exceptions...

 

[oldhouseman]

each has it's place

I agree with sudsmaster on that but sometimes dried has it's place. Especially for those who cannot grow an herb garden. I am giving that a shot this year (growing an herb garden)and expect I will dry some the stuff (like oregano) for winter use. Here is the basic layout and of course the pups will not have access to it (this was taken last summer when I first laid it out). We are in drought here in Georgia so that will have an impact on planting or not. I may be looking for a spice rack of my own if the dry weather keeps up! But seriously, I hope we can all help you out with this. If I am sucessfull with the garden this year I'll even send you some things from it. How does rosemary sound?

 

[pushtorelease]

I have at least half a dozen that you're more than welcome to. Canadian, so they're bilingual, oui?

 

[danemodsandy]

WOW!!!

How great!

Anyone having these beasties should contact me off the list with your Terms and Conditions, a.k.a. What You Want For These.

I really appreciate it. BTW, I'm looking for a total of thirty-one.

 

[sudsmaster]

I planted some Greek oregano in the yard and in some containers about seven years ago, and now it's spread all over the property. It's not a real problem, because it's easy enough to pull if it gets into a place where I don't want it - as long as I get it before it goes to seed. But I nearly always have fresh oregano for cooking. Another one I like is fresh marjoram - it's like oregano, but without the bitterness. Goes really well in soups and things that you don't want to overpower.

Anyway, it doesn't take much space to grow herbs. Most of them are perfectly happy in a pot on the windowsill. Some are more finicky, like tarragon and thyme (never have been able to grow thyme here, for some reason).

All store-bought dried herbs have been irradiated during manufacture... exposed to the rays of a radioactive source like cesium. I doubt there's any health risk, but the idea kind of turns me off.

Cumin seed, coriander, and exotic spices for curry - those I get dried. But even those are best if freshly ground (as any Indian cook will tell you). They rapidly lose their flavor once turned into a powder.

 

[gansky1]

I'll keep an eye out at the estate sales. Usually there is a box of spices from the cabinets for sale.

I, for one, will not be tossing out my green-capped bottle of Cardamom. It still smells good and it was a small fortune to buy!

 

[toggleswitch]

Oregano IS wild marjoram.

My ethnic group uses oregano and lemon combined on chicken and some other meats.

...and it DOES grow everywhere in mediterranean climates.

 

[58limited]

If you want only lids, I have 17 McCormick spice bottles with the green lids. All I ask in trade is 17 black lids to replace the green ones since I have spices in each one. Contact me if you are interested.

 

[58limited]

~I, for one, will not be tossing out my green-capped bottle of Cardamom. It still smells good and it was a small fortune to buy!

I have had mine for 15 years and it still smells and tastes good. Was very expensive.

 

[retroguy]

I may be able to get some of those as well.

Will surely let you know!

 

[danemodsandy]

ZOWIE!

I can't believe how many people are interested in helping...

"This is just like my wedding night- so exciting!"
- Mildred Pierce, 1945

P.S.: 58limited- I wish I did have the black ones to trade, but unfortunately I don't. Not to worry, green ones will turn up for me!