Packing TipsHow to Preserve Seasoning in Storage
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Today, people are using spices more commonly and with a new interest in fantastic world-class products. Spices are organic materials, and over time they do degrade. Most cannot be kept indefinitely. Yet, if you are purchasing them, especially those that are rare and expensive, you’ll want to be sure you’re storing them properly, so they last as long as possible. It may be possible to create long-term storage solutions for some spices. For example, if you have a set of spices you only use once a year, there are a few tips that could help you to store them more readily for long-term preservation. However, what you can do really depends on the spice and the way you plan to store it.
How Long Will They Last?
Most of the time, spices will begin to lose their flavor over a period of several months. That depends on the type of spice and its condition.
- Ground spices: These tend to lose their flavor the fastest. Most do not do well more than six months after the package is opened. It is always a good idea to test them out before you use them in a dish.
- Whole spices: Whole spices tend to last much longer. Some may last up to five years with proper storage and protection for them.
- Mixed spices: Like ground spices, these tend to last less than a year to six months. They also need to be in airtight containers to preserve their freshness as long as possible.
- Dried herbs: If you have dried herbs, perhaps from your garden, you will likely be able to hold onto these for up to three years with proper storage of them. Sometimes spices can last longer and still have the flavor you expect them to have. To find out, it’s best to sniff them first, taste a small amount, and then add them to your dishes.
How and Where Should They Be Packed?
The best way to retain your spices long term is to store them properly. The best possible conditions are going to be those that do not encourage any type of bacteria growth or the breakdown of the organic material. Here are some strategies to help you with this process.
Temperature matters
A good starting point is with the right climate. It is often best to keep them in an area that is at or around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. That helps to slow the breakdown process and can help you to preserve their overall freshness longer.
Get them out of the light
Both direct sunlight and the heat it creates are problematic for spice storage. You may find that a dark cabinet is a good place to store them if you are going to keep them in your kitchen. Choose an area that is away from the most likely problems – like the stove or the windows.
Seal them up good
It’s always ideal (and even a must) to keep your spices in a sealed container. You can buy specific spice jars for them. These are often glass jars with a lid that is tightly fastened on them. If you do not want to spend the money on new jars for your spices, consider moving them to other containers you already have that are airtight. This could include baby food jars that you’ve washed out and sanitized. You can use any type of sealed jar, including glass, ceramic, or metal tins. All of this will help contribute to better freshness.
Some need a refrigerator
There are some spices that need to be in the refrigerator or will last longer in a controlled environment like this. That includes red chili flakes and paprika. This helps to protect their flavor a bit longer. Most spices do not require the use of a refrigerator, though. If you’re super concerned about the temperature, choose a basement area.
What Should You Keep and Not Keep?
Most of the time, you can keep all of your spices if they are within the dates mentioned earlier. If you have items that are in oils or other liquids, be sure to follow the directions on the best buy dates on the packaging. If you have fresh herbs and want to keep them long term, you’ll need to allow them to fully dry out before you can pack them up. Allow them to dry between paper towels in a cool, very dry place for at least a few weeks. Then, put them into an airtight container.
Should They Be in a Climate Controlled Unit?
Are you moving? Perhaps you’re renovating your kitchen and need to store items for a few months or longer. You can keep your spices. Be sure to follow the recommendations listed here for proper storage. Then, look for the right type of storage unit. It is best to choose one that is climate controlled. That way, you can control not only the temperature within the space but also the humidity levels. Keeping the area dry and cool helps to preserve the freshness of spices long term. You should also keep them sealed so that pests do not try to get into them. Most of the time, storage units are dark, and that’s a good benefit for spice storage. Package them up well so they do not break open, and know that they are there when you are ready to start using them again.
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