How to Keep the Kick in Spices

Spices can turn a bland dish into a delicious one. If you like to cook, you have probably built up a nice collection of spices and are continuing to do so. Follow these steps to keep the kick in those spices.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Buy whole spices rather than crushed or ground, because whole spices last longer. You can crush or grind them as needed with a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder.

2. Smell your spices. If they don't smell, they need to be replaced.

3. Store the spices in sealed containers in a cool dark place. However, the refrigerator is not a good place to store spices because it is a humid environment, and the humidity will cause the spices to cake.

4. Keep spices away from light, because light will degrade them.

5. Don't store spices near the stove, because the heat will destroy the aromatic oils in them. Although this is a convenient place to store spices, it is not a good one.

Tips & Warnings

• If you shop at a store that sells spices in bulk, split them up and share with a friend. It will be difficult to keep large quantities of a particular spice fresh.
• Whole spices last from two to five years and ground spices last from six months to two years.
• To keep track of the age of your spices, write the date of purchase on the label.

Resources

• The Cuisine Site for Tips on Storing Spices
• Spice Barn Site for More Information

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