How to store your spices to keep them fresh?

Have you ever reached for a jar of spices only to find that the spices are flavorless? It's disappointing when you realize that the spices on your hands are not fresh, and there are things you can do to prevent this from happening again. Whether you buy your spices from your favorite grocery store or dry them yourself, knowing how to store them properly can keep your spices full of flavor.

 

In this article, you'll find quick and easy storage methods. When you keep these tips in mind, your favorite condiments will be full of flavor.

Make Sure Your Spice Jars Are Airtight

 

Choosing the right containers is also a key step in spice storage. You can't go wrong by storing your spices in airtight containers with lids.

 

Always Use Glass Spice Containers

Glass, plastic, and ceramic are popular choices for spice storage. However, glass and ceramic are less breathable and easier to clean than plastic. Meanwhile, the downside of plastic is that it absorbs the odor of the spices, which makes the container difficult to reuse.

Glass is ideal for storing spices because it is transparent and you can easily assess the spices you have and the quantity, as well as visually quality. You'll be able to keep track of the color and texture of the spices.

 

Best Place to Store Spices
Light, air, heat, and moisture are four factors that cause spices to quickly lose their aroma and flavor. If you keep these elements away from your spices as much as possible, you will be able to keep them fresher and extend their shelf life. Consider storing spices in a dark, cool place such as a pantry, drawer, or cupboard.

 

Heat: High temperatures (>20°C) can cause the loss of volatile oils in spices because the heat causes them to evaporate faster.

Air: The essential oils naturally present in most spices will oxidize in the presence of oxygen in the air (especially at higher temperatures); this can lead to degradation of aroma and the development of off-flavors.

 

Most whole spices are protected by peels or husks, but ground spices are susceptible to air.

 

Moisture: Spices have a moisture content of 8-16% after drying (depending on the individual spice), so storing spices unprotected in an environment with high relative humidity (>60%) can cause the spices to absorb moisture, which can lead to clumping (ground spices or blends), rancidity, or mold.

 

Light exposure: Spices containing pigments such as chilies (chili peppers, red chili powder), turmeric, green cardamom, saffron, and dried herbs (containing chlorophyll) are more susceptible to light exposure, causing discoloration and loss of flavor.

 

Conclusion
No matter what method you use to maximize the benefits of your spices, you need to follow some basic guidelines. Keep your spices away from heat, light, and excessive air, all of which can leach or destroy the spice's essential oils. This means that your spice storage should not be near a stove, oven, or other heat source, at least not for long periods of time.