One benefit of our neighborhood is that almost all nearby grocery stores offer organic and specialty products, including some spices and fresh herbs. Still, sometimes you need a more unique food item than the shelves of your go-to store provides. Maybe you're searching for a new pre-mixed spice blend, need a gift, or just want to purchase high-quality seasoning.

Whatever the reason, these spice shops near our apartments in Cambridge definitely have wonders to share.

Christina's Spice and Specialty Foods

On a day you want to spend time wandering, set out for Inman Square. Inman, a quirky corner of Cambridge, is home to Christina's Spice and Specialty Foods. At this local business, flavor awaits no matter where you look. Its shelves are lined with a truly astounding array of salts, spice blends, and hot sauces. Plus, Christina's is also a great place to shop for chilis and dried fruits.

Curio Spice Co.

Curio Spice Co. creates signature spice blends, DIY kits for pickling and mulling, and gift sets in decorative tins. If you're looking for a spices-themed gift but would rather give an experience, Curio also offers classes. These courses might teach a specific dish, like Trinidadian-style pilau, or explore a category, like spices for seafood. Since classes are currently virtual, you can even access them while traveling or gift them to out-of-town friends and family.

It's also worth carving out time to visit the adorable brick-and-mortar store near Davis Square, a quick ride on public transit from Luxe at Alewife. One more reason to feel good about shopping at Curio: it sources its spices from small woman-owned farms, and strives to meet high organic and fair-trade standards.

Cambridge Naturals

Still locally owned, Cambridge Naturals is a slightly larger store with a wider array to offer. Like the other shops, it carries a great selection of organic herbs and spices. It also branches out, though, with products like supplements, natural soaps, essential oils, and organic candies.

If you'd like to pick up all-natural licorice, organic small-farm soap, and bulk fenugreek seeds in one stop, Cambridge Naturals in Porter Square is sure to be a favorite. Plus, same-day curbside pickup is available.

After exploring spice shops, visit one of these Cambridge loose-leaf tea shops to round out your specialty foods adventure. When you're exploring places to live, contact us. We'd love to set up a tour of our Cambridge apartments.