Every spice lover knows the nightmare that comes with the spices losing flavour. We all know how the flavour and aroma of a spices is the magic that transforms a basic meal into a stellar culinary piece of art. It can be quite frustrating when you are trying to come up with an outstanding meal and the tastes and flavours just don’t burst out.
You may probably wonder what happened? There could be a high possibility that your spices have long exceeded their lifespan, or you may not be storing them properly (or both). Whether you’re a kitchen enthusiast or a seasoned chef, understanding how to store spices correctly is a game-changer. Without the aromas, tantalizing tastes and twists these spices add no value to your meals.
What you Need to know
It really is important to consider how you store your spices. You always have to ensure your spices are not exposed to light, heat, moisture, or air, which can accelerate the deterioration of spices. If the spice has been stored in unfavorable conditions, there’s a higher chance their shelf life will not be long enough.
Storage in the Right Way
When storing spices, you need to ensure that they are airtight containers, in a cool, dark place and they need to be clearly labeled too. It is said that spices like to be below 70 degrees, without humidity. To avoid them clamping onto their jars then moisture or heat is a thing they need to be kept from.
These methods contribute to maintaining the quality of spices:
To Protect Spices Against Light
When spices are exposed to light, they lose their vibrant colors and flavors over time. They need to be properly stored, using opaque or tinted containers, which helps shield spices from harmful UV rays and preserves their visual appeal and flavor profiles.
Temperature and Humidity
Spices can be degraded by heat and moisture when left exposed. There is a need to have them stored in a cool and dry environment so that they can maintain their freshness and prevent the growth of mold or bacteria. Avoid placing spice containers near heat sources, like stoves or ovens, to protect them from excessive warmth.
Minimization of Air Exposure
Another thing you need to avoid for your spices is exposing them to oxygen. Spices when exposed can lead to flavor loss and oxidation. Using airtight containers or jars with tight-fitting lids help minimize air circulation and prevent the entry of moisture and contaminants, thereby preserving the flavors and aromas of spices for longer periods.
Proper Labeling and Organization:
Labeling of spice containers with names and dates of purchase or expiration enables easy identification and usage. By organizing spices systematically, you can quickly locate the required spice without extended exposure to air or light.
Whole Spices vs. Pre-ground
Whole spices generally have a longer shelf life compared to pre-ground ones. By purchasing whole spices and grinding them as needed, you can retain maximum flavor and potency in your culinary creations.
Best Way to do It
One challenge spice lovers have is having a huge spice collection without a plan on how to store them. You have to have a plan and think upfront on how you can do it, to save you energy, time and money. Whether it’s a spice drawer or a pantry wall there are quite a number of storage choices.
It doesn’t matter whether you are renting or are building your dream home, there are so many creative storage ideas. Some of these Pinterest worthy ideas include:
Tiered Shelves
Create your own tiered shelves using wood or bamboo trays, you can also get such shelves at the market. These are a great solution for arranging your spice collection.
Rotating Spice Rack
This one is a classic choice for beautifying your kitchen while saving space too. This works well especially for those pantry corners that need to be used well and to also make it easy to grab. You can get this at the market too or save by placing the spices on a lazy Susan.
Wall-Mounted Shelves
If you have loads of space in your kitchen pantry, then wall mounted shelves can be a stylist and functional option for you. Make use of that space for this stylish but simple shelves.
Wine Rack
This one is an edgy kind of set up for someone looking to work with something unique. If you have a spare wine rack lying around your house, this is a DIY you can try out for your spice storage.
There are huge benefits to reap from proper storage, one of the most evident being that you will avoid having to dump unwanted spices. A well-organized spice storage will enable you to use them more and stock up efficiently.
