How to Stop Moisture in Garlic Seasonings

Garlic and other seasonings get hard in the container when exposed to moisture.

When spices and seasonings are exposed to moisture and humidity they have a tendency to clump together in the container. As a result, you have seasonings that won't come out when you need them for cooking. Garlic seasonings that have hardened in the spice jar due to moisture can be dried out for continued use. Although preventative measures that keep spices and seasonings from getting hard are best, you can extend the life of your garlic seasonings by removing the moisture.

Things You'll Need

• Baking sheet
• Fork
• Plastic zip-close bags
• Funnel
• Microwave-safe container
• Paper towels

Instructions

Oven Method

1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.

2. 

   Bakeware used for cookies is effective for drying spices.

   Pour the garlic seasoning onto a baking sheet. Break up chunks of the seasoning, if necessary to remove it from the spice container. Use the handle end of a fork to break up the seasoning. Spread the garlic seasoning out on the baking sheet.

3. Place the garlic seasoning in the oven for two to three minutes, which is long enough to remove any moisture causing the garlic seasoning to clump up.

4. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the garlic seasoning to cool completely. Use a funnel to pour the seasoning back into the original container, if possible, or into a plastic zip-close bag.

Microwave Method

1. Empty the garlic seasoning into a microwave-safe container. Break up hardened chunks of seasoning with a fork. Lay a paper towel over the container to absorb moisture from the garlic seasoning as it warms up in the microwave.

2. Microwave the garlic seasoning for 30 seconds on the highest heat setting. Remove the microwave-safe container from the microwave and allow the garlic seasoning to cool.

3. 

   A funnel helps avoid spills.

   Transfer the dried garlic seasoning to the original container or a plastic zip-close bag, using a funnel to help pour the seasoning.

Tips & Warnings

• Always close spice and seasoning containers immediately after using them to prevent moisture from being trapped inside the container.

• Store spices and seasonings in a dark, cool pantry and check them every few months for flavor and aroma.

References

• Allrecipes: 10 Spice and Herb Storage Tips
• The Epicentre: Tips: Spice Advice
• University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension; Cleaning the Kitchen Cupboard- Can This Food Be Saved?: Brown Sugar; Alice Henneman; February 2003