How to Store Spices at Home

Do you want to learn the best way to store spices and herbs at home? Try following guidelines and tips from the article and you will manage to keep your seasoning fresh and flavorful.

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With the information on how to extend the shelf life of seasoning, you will not face any problems with making your favorite dishes taste bad and have an unpleasant aroma due to the expired spice.  So, let us see what they “love”, what helps to store spices long term, and figure out what should be the ideal storage place for herbs and spices:

  • You should store spices in a dark dry place with no excess of direct sunlight to prevent drying out. The place has to be relatively cool with an average temperature of 70°F/21°C. There should be no direct sources of heat: oven, stovetop, dishwasher, fridge, etc. You can not store pices above the stove!
  • Do not keep spices in the freezer or It does not extend the shelf life of spices. With constant adjusting to the fluctuation of temperatures, condensation occurs which leads to mold!
  • Never hold open spices containers over the working stovetop as this steam and heat can also affect the quality of your spices. I like to put spices into the smallest bowls that I have and then add the seasoning to the cooking dish or simply use a dry teaspoon to get spices from the container.

How to store spices properly

  • Amber-colored glass jars with airtight lids are the perfect solution for the proper spice storage. However, if you are lucky to find those, please, share the info! Any type of glass jar, mason jars, airtight containers made out of glass are perfect, as glass does not absorb essential oils from spices. Sealable bags are ok only to store spices for several weeks as oils have a damaging effect on plastic. Simply store them according to the first three guidelines.
  • If you have an option, then store spices whole and grind when needed. They last longer this way. Therefore, their flavor will be

How long do you store spices? Here are some guidelines for the shelf life of spices. You can store roots of whole spices for 3 years, seeds – for 2 years, and leaves for 1 year. Ground spices roots store for no more than 2 years, seeds for 1 year and leaves can stay fresh and aromatic from 6 months to 1 year. Always check your spices for the signs of deterioration.

I hope that the article was helpful and now you know the best way to store spices in your kitchen. If you still have questions left feel free to leave them in the comment section below!

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Julia Miller is the founder of FreeFoodTips. Julia loves to travel and test new recipes. Here you will find recipes that are simple, delicious and perfect for everyday meals. FreeFoodTips is also packed with cooking tips and tricks.

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