6 Tips for Storing Your Spices
Become a Seasoning Pro with This Advice
Spices are a chef’s best friend. They add flavor to food, they can serve as substitutes for unhealthier ingredients, and eating them can provide many health benefits. For these reasons, every great chef has a favorite go-to spice. For example, in an essential spice masterclass, Gordon Ramsay says he loves ground cumin for its “strong, pungent aroma that lends a familiar back note to many Indian and Mexican dishes. A little goes a long way.”
But you don’t have to be a top chef to enjoy cooking with spices. Just follow these simple tips to create a spice collection that will keep your spices fresh and accessible for the longest possible time.
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Your first step is to have a spice collection. If you don’t, start with basic spices such as salt, pepper, cinnamon, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Then, add to your collection as your recipes call for spices. This way, you don’t have to worry about them going bad.
Seal
Store your spices in airtight containers. The original jars may work, but buying matching containers is also nice. For less expensive alternatives, you can use baby food containers or resealable plastic bags. As long as you seal your spices from the outside air, the storage method is up to you.
Protect
Protect your spices by keeping them in a cool, dark, dry place — not over the stove or on the counter. If you want to keep some spices handy on a counter, make sure you choose ones you use and replace often. They will lose their taste over time if exposed.
Label
Place a label on your spices where you can see them. For example, if your method of storage makes the side visible, label the side. If the tops are visible, mark the top. A "best by" or bought on" date on your spices will let you know when to discard them.
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Organize
A spice you cannot find is useless. Therefore, organize your spices so that you can see them. Also, you can alphabetize them or group them into categories so that you can locate what you need quickly and easily.
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