Tips to Store Your Spices

Herbs and spices lose their flavor more quickly when exposed to heat. That’s because the oil in them dries. And since the oil is usually where the flavor lies, losing oil means losing the flavor. Spices are also sensible to humidity and therefore to cooking vapors. They must be stored in cool and dry places away from humidity and direct heat sources like ovens and dishwashers. Ideally, they are best preserved at a constant room temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

When the seasoning comes out of the refrigerator, its temperature changes, and it must adapt to room temperature. These changes in the temperature will cause condensation and shorten the expiration date.

Now that you have followed the previous steps, all you have to do apply a few basic hygienic rules to preserve your spices. When cooking, you are quickly tempted to mess around in your spice jars with your wet, greasy or not very clean fingers. In the rush, you quickly need a spice and all you do is dip your wet fingers in your pot. Take the time to wash your hands and dry them well, or use a clean, dry spoon instead so you don’t bring moisture and stains to your spices.