It tasted like finely ground nuts. Pretty bland. Looks like I'll have to buy another sack to compare...
When I first got into spices, I grew a library of around 50 little bottles or so over the years. It was a huge step up from the salt, pepper, and Mrs. Dash system I was used to, but was still lacking in the strong flavors I was after. Then I met a chef who specialized in spicing foods. What a gamechanger that was. Biggest thing I learned is that, generally-speaking, the maximum potency for a spice is one month after grinding. Over time, I acquired a
small coffee grinder specifically for grinding spices, a
zester-grater (basically a jumbo microplane), and a
large dehydrator for making my own. I'm nowhere near the level I'd like to be at with spices, but it's definitely upped my flavor game. I don't make everything myself tho, stuff like garlic salt I still buy off-the-shelf. I also have a really excellent spice shop 30 minutes away with a very knowledgeable owner. If you ever want to really dig into spices, The Flavor Bible is an awesome book on the topic:
https://www.amazon.com/Flavor-Bible-Essential-Creativity-Imaginative/dp/0316118400/
Before I became a foodie, I kind of glossed over the fact that the whole reason America was 'discovered' by Columbus was because of the spice trade. Never really clicked for me. I think really flavorful foods has been lost in America. MSG, sugar, and processed ingredients with artificial flavorings have filled the gap by way of convenience foods like fast food & junk food. Not that that's bad, but having a meal with proper spicing is just awesome. The spice chef I know has small hosted dinners a few times a year that I go to & they have been some of the best stuff I've ever put in my mouth. It's amazing how much good-tasting food can affect the quality of your life!