Spices add a special flavor and aroma to almost any dish. Each kitchen has at least a minimal set of spices, especially loved by family members. But even in this case, it will be useful to find out that how to properly store spices in the kitchen and what is their shelf life.
Where to store spices?
The content of the article
- Where to store spices?
- Where to store seasonings?
- Shelf life of spices
Proper storage of spices can significantly increase their shelf life. First of all, lighting affects the quality of the product. Ultraviolet rays and light from lamps negatively affect the condition of the seasonings. In addition, humidity and heat have a negative impact. That is why there are certain rules in which places in the kitchen it is allowed to store dishes with spices:
- closed drawer, located far from the sink and stove;
- opening wall cabinet, preferably with blind doors;
- a special shelf or rack for storing spices (this is for amateurs, so that everything is at hand, in this case, the rack should be located away from the window, stove and sink).
Important! With constant exposure to heat and moisture, spices suddenly lose their properties. A healthy product becomes much less saturated with components that benefit the body and taste the food.
In recent years, kitchen designers have been offering customers the option of a pull-out shelf on wheels that they integrate into the kitchen. This is a great option for storing condiments if the shelf is located far from the sink and stove. The spices will not be exposed to light, artificial or natural.
Where to store seasonings?
As a rule, zealous housewives try to give their kitchen an attractive look, even in the smallest detail. This is also reflected in the seasoning dishes. Various options are used, it is even possible to independently make containers for spices.
Various containers can be used for proper storage:
- glass jars;
- tin bags;
- plastic containers;
- paper bags.
Important! Do not store spices in plastic bags, as this can significantly shorten their shelf life and impair the taste.
The refrigerator is also not the best place to store spices. Cold and humidity reduce the beneficial properties of the product and shorten the shelf life of the seasonings. Only the red pepper family feels good in such conditions. They continue to give the original aroma and taste to dishes even when kept in a refrigerator.
In some cases, the original dishes for the content of seasonings can become a decor in the design of the kitchen and work area.. Stylish glass or plastic containers with labels or stickers will look great. And tin boxes with spices can be placed on a magnetic board fixed above the work area.
It should also be remembered that the use of spice jars as a decoration dictates its own rules. So the banks must always be clean and full, otherwise all the beauty will go away forever.
Shelf life of spices
When the factory packaging is closed, the seasonings have a long shelf life of up to 3 years. Ground cloves, peppers and cinnamon are stored for a similar period. Ground spices and whole stems and leaves of plants retain their properties for up to 2 years. Dried roots and seeds can be kept in your kitchen for up to 4 years, and dried vegetables and fruits will last for more than six months.
It is important to understand that opened packaging can no longer provide high-quality storage. That is why opened sachets are not stored for more than 10 months. In addition, it is useful to know that dried nuts can lie on the shelf of a cabinet in the kitchen for no more than 3 years, and fresh herbs in the refrigerator will have to be thrown out after 5 days.
Spices and various additives can significantly improve the taste of a dish, but at the same time they can completely ruin it. Therefore, seasonings must be stored correctly and should not be neglected, especially if there are a large number of containers with various spices in the kitchen.
