Best Single Herbs & Spices (April 2024) - Rated by CherryPicks' Experts

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Top 1

Simply Organic Chipotle Powder, Certified Organic, Vegan | 2.65 oz | Capsicum...

9.8
CPR Score
Top 2

Zaran Saffron, Superior Saffron Threads (Super Negin) Premium grade Saffron S...

9.7
CPR Score
Top 3

Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Granulated Garlic, 24 Ounce

9.6
CPR Score
Tips


Our team has recommended top 27 Single Herbs & Spices to make your shopping easy after considering different features about Single Herbs & Spices reviews of brands, including Happy Belly, McCormick, Anthony's, Watkins, McCormick Gourmet, Spicy World, Frontier, McCormick Culinary, Badia, Native Vanilla, Spice Supreme, Simply Organic, Herbaila, SPICE CLASSICS, Burma Spice, Zaran Saffron, JAVER And SELMIA ROYAL FLOWER. And after researching, Simply Organic Chipotle Powder, Certified Organ... is a highly recommended Single Herbs & Spices item.

* Cherrypicksreviews.com is reader-supported, Our editor review, and recommend the best products based on extensive data analysis, if you click on the product links, we may earn a commission through qualifying products purchased.

The Best Single Herbs & Spices Rated by CherryPicks

Market Overview
Single Herbs & Spices Reviewed
  • Reviews Analyzed: 112,693 Items
  • CPR Avg. Rating: 8.5 / 10
27 Products Evaluated
  • Highest Price: $21.99
  • Lowest Price: $3.36
  • Avg. Price: $9.89
Price Disclaimer

Top 27 Single Herbs & Spices on Amazon (Verified You can Buy)

Simply Organic Chipotle Powder, Certified Organic, Vegan | 2.65 oz | Capsicum annuum

Simply Organic
19516
1.5 x 1.5 x 4.0 Inches
0.1656 Pounds

Ratings for Simply Organic (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Amazon.com -
Nature's Own -

Features

QUALITY CHIPOTLE - Simply Organic Chipotle Powder (Capsicum annuum) comes from the Nahuatl word ‘chilpoctli’ which means ‘smoked chili.’ This spice is obtained from dried and smoked jalapeno peppers. It has been used since the time of the Aztecs.
USEFUL INGREDIENT - Chipotle is a Mexican ingredient that impacts many kinds of dishes. It is a versatile spice that adds depth to any dish, from savory to sweet. Use it for sauces, soups, sandwiches, quesadillas, pizza, grilled chicken, salad dressings, and much more!
Show More

Zaran Saffron, Superior Saffron Threads (Super Negin) Premium grade Saffron Spice for Paella, Risotto, Tea's, and all Culinary Uses (2 Grams)

Zaran Saffron
2gPersianTin
0.0044 Pounds

Ratings for Zaran Saffron (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Zaran Saffron -

Features

Highest Quality Saffron Threads, Super Negin Grade Saffron. Zaran Saffron is a Family-Owned and Operated business with over a decade of experience in Saffron.
Zaran Saffron is Perfect for all your Cooking needs, such as Golden Rice, Paella, Risotto, Golden Milk, and Teas. Saffron has many health benefits and can be used medicinally by consuming as a tea or It can be ground into powder form for use in saffron extract supplements.
Show More

Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Granulated Garlic, 24 Ounce

Happy Belly
4.1875 x 2.8125 x 6.75 Inches
1.5 Pounds

Ratings for Happy Belly (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Amazon.com -

Features

24-ounces of Happy Belly Granulated Garlic
Granulated garlic has a coarser texture and robust flavor than garlic powder, which is finely ground
Show More

Badia Garlic Powder, 16 Ounce

Badia
1
5.9055 x 4.3307 x 7.4803 Inches
1.0 Pounds

Ratings for Badia (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Amazon.com -
VerSure 26
ShippedFast 81
The Best Choice Inc. 1,655
Flag City Fulfillment -

Features

Garlic is one of the most useful and appetizing condiments due to its distinctive flavor and attributed health benefits; It is ideal for pastas, rice poultry, beef, seafood and all vegetables
The package length of the product is 6 inches
Show More
Top 5

Spice Classics Ground Cinnamon, 18 oz - One 18 Ounce Container of Ground Cinnamon Powder, Perfect in Desserts, Hot Tea, Cider, Meat Rubs, and More

SPICE CLASSICS
2.65 x 3.75 x 8.0 Inches
1.273 Pounds

Ratings for SPICE CLASSICS (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Amazon.com -

Features

SWEET CINNAMON FLAVOR: Ground cinnamon powder made of culinary-grade korintje cinnamon for an earthy flavor and warm, sweet aroma; fine texture lets you blend the taste of cinnamon spice into liquids and other ingredients for flavor-packed menu items
HIGH QUALITY: Deliver pure, consistent flavor and craft signature dishes and drinks; chefs can bring the beloved, authentic flavors of korintje cinnamon to any kitchen; contains only premium cinnamon for the best results
Show More

Simply Organic Basil Certified Organic, 0.54-Ounce Container

Simply Organic
89836185129
6.75 x 4.5 x 5.0 Inches
0.0338 Pounds

Ratings for Simply Organic (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Amazon.com -

Features

SWEET BASIL LEAF - Our dried basil is nothing more than pure, extra-fancy grade, whole organic Egyptian basil leaves (Ocimum basilicum). And that's a good thing. No GMOs. No ETO (considered carcinogenic by the EPA). Not irradiated. Certified Organic by QAI. Kosher Certified by KSA. Pungent, aromatic, woodsy and herbaceous. Sweet, with slightly minty notes. This is real basil.
A VERSATILE INGREDIENT - Sweet basil leaf combines well with garlic, parsley, rosemary, oregano, thyme, and sage. It has become a popular option for pizzas alongside oregano, and it can even be extracted to make essential oils. It is also used in DIY body care.
Show More

Watkins Gourmet Spice, Organic Basil, Bulk Food Service Size, 4.9 oz (Pack of 1)

Watkins
ZH23M-226
0.3064 Pounds

Ratings for Watkins (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Amazon.com -

Features

Fresh, peppery taste. Traditionally paired with tomatoes or vegetables, our Basil enhances the flavors of soups and meats
Convenient, bulk size for all food service needs
Show More

McCormick Culinary Whole Bay Leaves, 2 oz - One 2 Ounce Container of Dried Bay Leaves for Cooking, Perfect Spice for Stews and Marinades

McCormick Culinary
052100010496
2.65 x 3.75 x 8.032 Inches
0.13 Pounds

Ratings for McCormick Culinary (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Amazon.com -

Features

ROBUST, WOODY FLAVOR: McCormick Culinary Whole Bay Leaves infuse dishes with a robust, woody flavor
HAND SELECTED LEAVES: Hand-selected from Turkish-grown bay trees and carefully packaged to ensure optimal flavor and aroma
Show More

McCormick Granulated Onion, 18 oz

McCormick
052100300726
2.65 x 3.75 x 8.0 Inches
1.279 Pounds

Ratings for McCormick (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Amazon.com -

Features

McCormick Granulated Onion is made from whole white onions
Savory pure onion flavor for just about any dish
Show More
Top 10

Dried Curry Leaves | Aromatic and Distinctive Flavor | With All the Flavor of Fresh Leaves | Kari Patta 0.5 oz.

Burma Spice
9.0 x 6.0 x 1.0 Inches
0.05 Pounds

Ratings for Burma Spice (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Burma Spice -

Simply Organic Cinnamon Sticks, Certified Organic | 1.13 oz | Cinnamomum burmannii (Nees & T. Nees) Blume

Simply Organic
89836194978
1.5748 x 1.5748 x 4.5276 Inches
0.0706 Pounds

Ratings for Simply Organic (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Common Cents Distributors 72
Natural Nutrient -
Nature's Own -
Appalachian Organics -

Features

We get serious about quality. Our Korintje cinnamon sticks are sourced in Indonesia, harvested from the inner bark of evergreen trees. As the bark dries, it curls into quills — which you know as cinnamon sticks. The quills are then sorted for size, color and quality, so only AA Grade quills go into our bottles.
Certified Organic
Show More

Simply Organic White Onion Powder, Certified Organic | 3 oz | Allium cepa

Simply Organic
20022
6.6929 x 4.5984 x 5.2008 Inches
0.2275 Pounds

Ratings for Simply Organic (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Amazon.com -

Features

ONION - Convenient and easily dispersible Simply Organic Onion Powder add pungent flavor to seasoning blends, dips, sauces and meats as well as canned and frozen foods. Add to mashed potatoes, deli salads, stuffings, or any recipe that needs onion flavor.
A FLAVORFUL SUBSTITUTE - Onion powder is often used in place of fresh onions to prepare many meals. It’s also a great way to spice up condiments. This powder delivers a taste and aroma that is up to 10 times stronger than raw onions. It's perfect for those who don't want watery eyes or don't have time to peel and chop whole onions.
Show More
Top 13 Best Thyme

Frontier Co-op Fancy Thyme Leaf, Whole, 1-Pound, Add Warmth & Pungency to Marinade, Veggies, Stews and Cheese Dishes

Frontier
89836002006
18.0 x 24.0 x 16.0 Inches
1.0 Pounds

Ratings for Frontier (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Amazon.com -

Features

Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris
Common Name: Thyme Leaf
Show More
Top 14 Best Thyme

Frontier Certified Organic Thyme Leaf, 1-Pound Bulk, Add Warmth & Pungency to Marinade, Vegetables, Stews and Cheese Dishes

Frontier
378
11.51 x 16.0 x 14.01 Inches
1.0 Pounds

Ratings for Frontier (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Amazon.com -

Features

1 Pound Bulk Bag
Aromatic, organic thyme for enhancing marinades, vegetables, fish, stews and cheese dishes
Show More
Top 15 Best Chipotle

Chipotle Ground – 2.5 oz

Badia

Ratings for Badia (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Selling Supplies 598
Sebago Foods 140
CubanFoodMarket -
Super Savings Now 4,123

Features

Halal
Kosher
Show More
Top 16

JAVER 15 Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans-Whole Extract Grade B, Pods for Baking,Cooking,Homemade Extract,Vanilla Milk Tea and Vanilla Coffee.Extract Grade Vanilla, Dark brown

JAVER
6.0 x 2.0 x 0.1 Inches
1.5 ounces

Ratings for JAVER (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
NINGBO JIAWER TRADING CO. LTD -

Features

Length is 5-6 Inches (Approximately 13-15 cm) with an average moisture content of 27-29% meaning these beans are soft pliable and filled with millions of tiny vanilla seeds.More suitable for Extract Grade Vanilla
Fresh Gourmet Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans from Late 2020 - 2021 From Malagasy Farmers at Fair Market Prices Purchase Received the beans you need to store them sealed away from light buried in caster sugar or doused in vodka and not refrigerated
Show More
Top 17 Best Paprika

Badia Paprika, 16 Oz, 1 Pound (Pack of 1) (BA117)

Badia
BA117
3.6 x 2.7 x 8.25 Inches
1.0 Pounds
Original recording remastered
  • Author: Peppermint Rainbow
  • Unknown: English

Ratings for Badia (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Galactic Shop 21
ShippedFast 81
Tiger Health 351

Features

No artificial flavors, Preservatives

McCormick Cinnamon Sugar, 15 oz

McCormick
052100015828
2.339 x 3.052 x 5.75 Inches
1.036 Pounds

Ratings for McCormick (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Amazon.com -

Features

The classic topping for hot, buttered toast
A breakfast favorite in French toast, sticky buns, oatmeal and granola
Show More
Top 19

Spice Supreme- Cinnamon Sugar (99g)

Spice Supreme
0.2183 Pounds

Ratings for Spice Supreme (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Deal Dave, LLC -
A & H Supply 548
Chimoon -
Retro Stuff 4 You -
Magnolia_Grace -

Features

Each bottle has a flip top lid with a built in shaker.
Household Essentials and Foods.
Show More

Simply Organic Cayenne Pepper, 2.89 Ounce, Pure, Organic Cayenne Peppers, No GMO's, Kosher Certified

Simply Organic
18761
5.5118 x 3.937 x 2.7559 Inches
0.18 Pounds
  • Unknown: English

Ratings for Simply Organic (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Amazon.com -

Features

CHILI PEPPER - Simply Organic Cayenne Pepper contains nothing but pure, organic, ground cayenne peppers (Capsicum annuum). Rich, earthy color. Drool-worthy aroma. Lively taste that packs a POW at 35,000 heat units.
A VERSATILE INGREDIENT - Organic Cayenne Chili Pepper Powder is a sure way to heat up your kitchen entrees, delivering a hot kick to many prepared foods. Most commonly used in Mexican recipes as well as stews and chilis. You can also spice up a salad with just a sprinkle, or mix some into your prepared salsa.
Show More
Top 21 Best Turmeric

Anthony's Organic Turmeric Root Powder, 2 lb, Curcumin Powder, Gluten Free & Non GMO (Pack of 1)

Anthony's
2.0 Pounds

Ratings for Anthony's (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Anthony's Goods 253

Features

USDA Certified Organic Turmeric Powder - Curcuma Longa
Batch Tested and Verified Gluten Free
Show More

Fennel Seeds 1 Pound, Supports Healthy Digestion, Relieves Bloating/Gas, Whole Fennel Seeds in Bulk Resealable Bag, non-GMO & Kosher

Herbaila
5.0 x 5.0 x 5.0 Inches
1.0009 Pounds

Ratings for Herbaila (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
SportingDoc 88

Features

&#9989 100% PURE FENNEL SEEDS – Unrefined, raw whole seeds contain 100% of their nutritive value, and the all-natural superfood supports a robust list of known health benefits
&#9989 SUPPORTS HEALTHY DIGESTION – Can help the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal system, relaxing them while reducing discomfort
Show More
Top 23 Best Cumin

Badia Spices, Cumin Seed Ground, Yellow Multi (087881), 16 Oz

Badia
087881
1.0 x 1.0 x 1.0 Inches
1.0 Pounds

Ratings for Badia (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Amazon.com -

Features

A complex flavor of earth, warmth and bitterness with a pungent aroma
no Artificial Flavors
Show More
Top 24

Spicy World Dill Weed 14 Ounce LARGE Bag | Perfect Seasoning and Spice for Salads and Soups

Spicy World

Ratings for Spicy World (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
SimplyBeautiful 362

Features

KEY USES - Dill Weed is used throughout the world in many different ways. Many chefs use it to add flavor to there salads, soups, sauces and spreads. It can also be used to add flavor to meat dishes like chicken, fish, and lamb.
NO ADDITIVES OR PRESERVATIVES - Our Dill Weed is 100 percent pure with no additional preservatives or other substances.
Show More
Top 25 Best Paprika

Simply Organic Smoked Paprika, 2.72 Ounce Bottle, Certified Organic, Vegan | Capsicum annuum

Simply Organic
19517
1.5748 x 1.5748 x 4.5276 Inches
0.17 Pounds

Ratings for Simply Organic (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Amazon.com -

Features

SMOKED PAPRIKA - Nothing but pure, organic, ground Spanish paprika (Capsicum annuum) that's oak-wood smoked. No GMOs. No ETO (considered carcinogenic by the EPA). Not irradiated. Certified Organic by QAI. Kosher Certified by KSA. Deep, rich color, enticing aroma, and award-winning smoky-sweet flavor with a touch of heat. Serious YUMM.
A VERSATILE INGREDIENT - This smoked paprika is dried over oak wood to give it an earthy flavor that pairs well with egg, bean, and potato dishes. It also works well with roasted and grilled meats. You can also add this to the flour used for poultry, meats, seafoods, and salad dressings!
Show More
Top 26 Best Cloves

Frontier Natural Products Cloves, Ground, 1.92 Oz

Frontier
18415
6.5 x 8.75 x 4.5 Inches
0.12 Pounds

Ratings for Frontier (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Amazon.com -

Features

GROUND CLOVES - Frontier Co-op offers high quality ground cloves (Syzygium aromaticum L. Merr.) sourced from Madagascar/Comoros in a 1.92 ounce bottle. Our ground cloves deliver a robust aroma and sharp, warm flavor that pair well as a key flavoring in meat dishes, sauces, and even desserts. Frontier Co-op ground cloves are certified kosher, non-irradiated, non-GMO, and non-ETO.
FLAVORFUL AND AROMATIC - Intensely aromatic and richly flavored, cloves have been a major player in the spice world since ancient times. Cloves are often found in seasoning blends alongside cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
Show More
Top 27

McCormick Gourmet Organic Garlic & Herbs Everyday Basics Variety Pack (Oregano, Garlic Powder, Crushed Rosemary, Thyme), 0.05 lb

McCormick Gourmet
McCormick & Company, Inc.
4.063 x 4.063 x 5.313 Inches
1.404 Pounds

Ratings for McCormick Gourmet (CPR Score)

Seller CPR Rank Amazon Fulfilled Prime Free Shipping
Amazon.com -

Features

Four favorite herbs and seasonings: McCormick Gourmet Organic Garlic, Thyme, Oregano and Rosemary
Use these weeknight all-stars on roast chicken, fish, pasta and more
Show More

Top 10 Single Herbs & Spices - Verified to Buy (Apr. 2024)

Top 10 Single Herbs & Spices Brands on Amazon

Here is the list of top-rated brands that were evaluated by CherryPicks.

  • Simply Organic
  • Zaran Saffron
  • Happy Belly
  • Badia
  • SPICE CLASSICS
  • Watkins
  • McCormick Culinary
  • McCormick
  • Burma Spice
  • Frontier

Top 10 Single Herbs & Spices Sellers: CPR Seller Rank List

CPR sellers rank is based on CherryPicks-AI bestselling ranking system that helps us analyze each seller's sales trends. The List of top seller ranks is our in-house data, essential for our product ranking to help you make the right shopping choice.

Rank Name Yearly Feedbacks Avg. Ratings
🥇 Galactic Shop 27,961 4.9
🥈 VerSure 25,732 4.9
🥉 Common Cents Distributors 14,855 4.9
4 ShippedFast 14,019 4.9
5 SportingDoc 13,665 4.9
6 Sebago Foods 10,199 4.9
7 Anthony's Goods 7,659 4.9
8 Tiger Health 6,259 4.9
9 SimplyBeautiful 6,137 4.8
10 A & H Supply 4,688 4.9
View or download top Single Herbs & Spices seller & rating report
Galactic Shop [27961] VerSure [25732] Common Cents Distributors [14855] ShippedFast [14019] SportingDoc [13665] Sebago Foods [10199] Anthony's Goods [7659] Tiger Health [6259] SimplyBeautiful [6137] A & H Supply [4688] Galactic Shop 21% VerSure 20% Common Cents Distributors 11% ShippedFast 11% SportingDoc 10% Sebago Foods 8% Anthony's Goods 6% Tiger Health 5% SimplyBeautiful 5% A & H Supply 4%

[Get] Single Herbs & Spices Deals (✅Exclusively for Prime)

What does "Amazon Fulfilled" Mean?

Amazon Fulfilled refers to products handled by Amazon's logistics, which indicates that the product is stored, packed, and shipped by Amazon from one of its fulfillment centers.

When you order a product that is "Amazon Fulfilled," Amazon takes care of the storage, packing, shipping, and customer service for that product. This often ensures quicker delivery and better customer service compared to products that are not fulfilled by Amazon. It also means that the product is eligible for Amazon's return policy.

What does "Prime" Mean?

"Prime" refers to Amazon Prime Member (Join Amazon Prime Now), which indicates eligibility for Prime benefits. When you see "Prime" next to a product on Amazon, This generally means that if you are  an Amazon Prime member, you can get free two-day shipping on that product, and sometimes even same-day or one-day shipping depending on your location.

Prime members also have access to other benefits, including 2-Day ShippingExclusive Member DealsPrime VideoBuy With PrimeAmazon MusicPrime Gaming, and more.

Shop Prime Single Herbs & Spices Deals

What does "Free Shipping" Mean?

"Free Shipping" means that you will not be charged additional fees for the shipping of that product. However, unlike "Prime," which usually guarantees fast two-day shipping, "Free Shipping" doesn't necessarily mean fast shipping.

Sometimes there might be a minimum purchase requirement to qualify for free shipping if you are not a Prime member. For Prime members, the "Free Shipping" usually refers to the free two-day shipping that is one of the benefits of the Prime membership.


Why Should You Trust Us?

Now hundreds and thousands of Pantry Staples supplies are available on Amazon, Picking the right one is not easy, and that may take a lot of your time, Right? and What is the best Single Herbs & Spices to buy for new April 2024?

CherryPicks’s Methodology for Evaluating Single Herbs & Spices

We developed the CherryRatings-AI system to identify and score reviews and the CherryPicks-AI ranking system that uses TensorFlow framework to generate the best list, It will help us evaluate Pantry Staples items that sell on Amazon. The score of items is based on over ten parameters such as analyzing customer review content, product reviewing rating statistics, brand reputation evaluation, comparing product price with features, etc, You can visit How We Rank to learn more in detail.

We collected and analyzed 446 of Single Herbs & Spices reviews based on our selection criteria. It helped us shortlist the top qualified and rated Single Herbs & Spices for Pantry Staples, We found that most customers choose Single Herbs & Spices with an average price of $9.89, and the top brands are Happy Belly, McCormick, Anthony's, Watkins, McCormick Gourmet, Spicy World, Frontier, McCormick Culinary, Badia, Native Vanilla, Spice Supreme, Simply Organic, Herbaila, SPICE CLASSICS, Burma Spice, Zaran Saffron, JAVER And SELMIA ROYAL FLOWER. 

Then our expert-level editors reviewed all those quality items and selected the top 27 Single Herbs & Spices for you, We have researched hundreds of sellers and picked the top sellers for Pantry Staples, including Galactic Shop, VerSure, Common Cents Distributors, ShippedFast, SportingDoc, Sebago Foods, Anthony's Goods, Tiger Health, SimplyBeautiful, A & H Supply, Selling Supplies And The Best Choice Inc.. The Simply Organic Chipotle Powder, Certified Organ... are available for purchase right now, and The seller of #1 rank product has received honest feedback from 1,111 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

We've helped a lot of satisfied users get the right Grocery & Gourmet Food product based on their needs, and save lots of time for them to pick Single Herbs & Spices to buy.


Written By Joyce C. Foster

Joyce is an editor with us here at CherryPicksReviews. She is an exceptional writer, committed to producing the best content on groceries, and ready to taste some any day anytime. She has got years of experience writing with a popular food blog as a food blogger before joining us here.