How To Keep Spices Fresh

Using the right spices is a good way to elevate your cooking to a whole new level. Of course, to make the most of the spices that you use, it’s important to keep them nice and fresh. After all, although spices can last for quite some time without going “bad,” they are always going to taste their best when they are kept as fresh as possible. These are a few tips that can help you enjoy your spices as much as possible.

How to Keep Spices Fresh: Avoid Buying Too Much at One Time

It’s definitely a good idea to keep a well-stocked spice cabinet. However, when purchasing spices that you don’t use in large quantities, you might want to purchase them in smaller containers. When purchasing spices that you use a lot of, however, buying in bigger containers can help you get the best deal.

Buy Whole Spices

It might seem easier to purchase spices that are ready for you to use, but spices that are pre-ground will not stay fresh as long as whole spices. Another good option is to purchase whole spices and keep your spices whole until you are ready to use them. You’ll need to purchase a spice grinder, but you’ll probably find that it’s worth it. This is a particularly good idea for spices that you might not use very often but that you want to keep on hand.

Keep Your Spices Sealed Up

It’s best to keep most spices well-sealed when they are not in use. If you purchase them in containers that seal well when they are closed, then they should be fine for storage. Otherwise, you may want to transfer your spices over to a sealed jar or bag for storage.

How to Keep Spices Fresh: Store Them in the Right Place

One thing that you should know if you’re wondering how to keep all of your spices fresh is that they should be kept in a cool, dark and dry place. Many people keep their spices over their stoves, but this is a mistake; after all, this area of your kitchen can become quite hot and humid, which can cause your spices to clump up or lose some of their freshness.

Keeping spices fresh will allow you to enjoy them a lot more. Fortunately, if you follow the tips above, you should be able to keep your spices nice and fresh until you are ready to use them.