Spice Organization & Storage
Our spice cabinets have a tendency to be a catchall for any and all spices and salts that we ever buy. But how often do you actually go through and see what you really have? Here are some tips to get your spices organized in a way that works for you, and make sure all of your spices are at their best.
Go Through All Your Spices
Different spices have different shelf lives, which makes going through all of your spices the very first step. Pull everything out of your spice cabinet or drawer. While most spices don’t “go bad”, they will lose their flavor and color. As a rule of thumb, whole spices last 4 years, ground spices last 2 years, and dried spices last 1 – 3 years depending on the spice. Salt can pretty much last indefinitely if kept in a dry environment. The next test to make sure your spices are still viable is taste and smell. If any spices have lost their flavor or color, it’s time to toss. After you’ve gotten rid of any spices that are no longer good, consolidate any spices that can be. Do you have three different bottles of ground cinnamon? Put them all in one container.
Decide Organization System
Each cook has a different way they use their spices and how often different types are used. There are four main ways that you can organize depending on what makes the most sense for you and your kitchen.
The first way is to organize by frequency of use. Take those spices that you use the most and set them in the most prominent place, usually the bottom shelf of your spice cabinet in the front. For those second most used, place in the front of the second shelf, and so-on. For those spices you rarely use, maybe mustard seed, can be placed in the back or on the highest shelf. For your spices that are in large bags, like dried peppers, a decorative bin or basket can contain them all while keeping your cabinets looking nice.
Next up for systems is baking spices vs. cooking spices. If you’re primarily a baker, making fall apple pies for your family, then you’ll want to prioritize those items and put them in your most prominent spot. Again, put what you use most up front. Same goes for if you’re a cook more than a baker. Do you like to cook Italian food? Then put your basil, oregano and parsley up front.
You can also arrange your spices by whole, dried, and ground. This way if a recipe calls for ground thyme instead of thyme leaves, you’ll know where to look. Some cooks prefer only purchasing whole spices because they retain their flavor and shelf life better, so this next method may be better for that.
Lastly, and maybe more labor intensive, is alphabetical. Although it takes longer to initially do and it may be harder to maintain, if you’re in the middle of a recipe and realize you need a spice immediately, you can find it right away!
There are many ways to organize your kitchen cabinets, so choose what works best for you!
How To Store Spices
The number one key to keeping your spices fresher for longer is keeping them in a sealed container. Glass or plastic jars or bottles work the best since they will not rust. Keeping your spices dry maintains their freshness and helps seal in their flavor. Another tip to keeping your spices dry is to NOT shake your spices directly over cooking food or boiling water. This will cause moisture to get into the jar and will get sealed in when you put organized spices back. A better tip is to mix your spices that will be used into small prep dishes and then, when ready, use them in your recipe.
Another important storage note is that you want to keep your spices out of direct sunlight. Heat can cause your spices to spoil more quickly, and if there is moisture in the jar, they can even go rancid. A dry place out of the sun is your best bet.
Storage Options
Many Wisconsin homes have the overhead cabinets in the kitchen, and typically one is set aside for spices. If you’re tight on space, there are a couple of things you can do to make the most of your cabinets. One easy fix are tiered lazy Susans made specifically for spices. This way you can not only stack your spices but you can turn the table to see all of your options. An alternate to that are small wire shelves in your cabinets to also give you double the surface area without having to dig through your spices. Within cabinets, you can also mount slide out shelves to make perusing your spices easier.
If you want to keep your most used, every day spices, such as salts and peppers within arms reach, a small, shallow wall shelf (placed out of direct sunlight) can give you easy access in seconds. One last handy trick for those of you who want a bit of flare with your spices: mount a magnetic knife strip underneath your hanging cabinets. Spice jars that have metal lids then can hang and be right there for you to grab at any moment.
These tips and tricks should make your family’s mealtime easier and more enjoyable!