The Village of Winona is celebrating the grand opening of Spice Merchants. The new retail store opened today and is located at 903 E. Canal St., formerly Whetstone Woodenware.

Spice Merchants will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Products include bulk and/or prepackaged gourmet sea salts, spice blends, herbs, rubs and seasonings from all over the world.

All natural soups, rice mixes, grains and pastas, extracts, organic, gluten and salt free products and naturally flavored sugars also contribute to the inventory. There are over 100 varieties of loose leaf teas available and ‘High Teas,’ and special events are being planned.

Spice Merchants is owned by Jerry and Chris Ouding. The Oudings opened The Olive Branch at The Village in Winona in May of last year and have recognized that local residents are interested in using fresh, healthy products for their cooking. Just as you can ‘taste before you buy’ at The Olive Branch, you will also be able to taste products at Spice Merchants.

According to Chris Ouding, “Healthy eating is not a fad. More families are trying to cook more at home and are looking for ways to change up their dishes. The wide variety of herbs, rubs and spice blends offered at Spice Merchants make it easy and fun to add different taste and texture to an everyday meal. Health benefits are just an added plus.”