What is pickling spice?

[GusRobin]

I notice a number of recipes call out "pickling spice". What is it? Is it a specific spice- any brand names? Is there a substitute?

[classicrockgriller]

If you have a Wally World, they carry it year round in the canning dept.

[Ka Honu]

... and lots of recipes on the net - just Google it.

[Habanero Smoker]

Pickling spice is a blend of a variety of spices, which is use for seasoning pickles, but the blend makes them useful for other purposes. These blends can vary and one needs to be careful in choosing a pickling spice. I get mine from Penzey's, if you purchase from a supermarket always choose a well known brand - McCormick makes a descent blend. A lot of them just over use mustard seed, and bulk up on other less expensive spices as filler and to cut down on their cost.

[GusRobin]

thanks all