How to properly store spices in the kitchen: tips and tricks

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

No matter how big your kitchen is, storing your spices wisely will create comfort. After all, everything you need should be within reach. In order to keep spices in excellent and usable condition, it is necessary to protect them from exposure to sunlight, as well as dampness. Proper storage of spices in the kitchen allows you to save their properties. To do this, you must comply with the following rules: conditions, place and duration of storage. Seasonings should not be kept close to the oven. Because they lose their scent, natural features.

In jars and bags

Storing spices in jars is most acceptable. Containers made of tin, glass, ceramic are used. Tin cans are good for those spices that need to be hidden from sunlight. Plastic containers are fragile.

Spices should not be stored in the bags they were purchased in. Because in this way they lose their useful properties after opening. It is better to use linen bags, which must be boiled in s alt composition before use.

Pepper and spices

Spicesin ground form have a short shelf life. Store spices based on red pepper, as well as paprika and chili, in the refrigerator. Spicy herbs are allowed not to dry - it is better to freeze them. If you store spices in the refrigerator, then you can keep their flavor. But humidity and cold reduce taste. Pour some spices into the pepper pot to eliminate the process of increasing moisture during application, the rest should be kept in a well-closed container.

Checking spices for suitability

Spices stored in the kitchen should be checked annually to make sure they are free of mold and insects. Unground spices are allowed to be stored for many years, but it is only necessary to observe the storage conditions for spices, since they also lose their qualities and must be ground before use. And when crushed, they lose their taste and insects can appear in them.

Tips

Aromatic herbs should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than five days, dried - up to two years. Seeds and roots retain their properties up to four years. Nutmeg - three years. A prerequisite is the use of a dry and clean spoon. Sprinkling a dish from a jar of spices is not worth it. Because the seasoning will become wet due to the steam that comes from the dish and you can still accidentally pour it and ruin it completely.

Spice containers

The most commonly used sets for storing spices, they mainly consist of jars forpepper, s alt, aromatic herbs. They have small holes or with opening lids. But at the same time, they come with a teaspoon.

Containers for storing spices are used from such materials: wood, glass, ceramics, metal. You can create original containers with your own hands - for this you need to take glass jars and paint them with acrylic paints or stick on beads. The original will be the use of Tick-tock dragee packages, beautiful containers from jams, yogurts, liquors, coffee jars.

Spices are stored in the kitchen. If spices are used constantly and in large quantities, then you should worry about the space for storing them. Creating a place for content requires spending free time and applying a small amount of effort.

Recess in the wall

The recess in the wall next to the oven is not made very close, so that the spices do not overheat. The significance of the recess should correspond to the size of the jars that are used for storage. The size should correspond to the height of the dishes, and in addition, you need five centimeters on a certain shelf so that it is convenient to take containers from it.

Dishes for such storage must be chosen from dark glass or plastic, because there are no doors in the recess. Seasonings used frequently can be stored in any appropriate container. Since they simply do not have time to become unusable. It is not difficult to prepare a place for storing spices if the recess is alreadythere is. To do this, you need to collect shelves defined by the size of the jars. If the recess is smaller than some containers, it is allowed to use thin wooden planks, ropes or elastic bands. You can also use metal strips. This option is suitable for those who use spices infrequently.

Baskets and boxes

Sliding baskets and boxes are a convenient place to store spices. Apply horizontal and vertical. When using a horizontal storage method, ordinary drawers and shelves of a kitchen set are suitable. They should be deep for comfortable placement. In order for containers with spices to be installed in a supine position, steps should be made for them with an inclination so that the contents can be inspected. You should also pay attention to the plastic boxes with limiters. They can be placed in a kitchen drawer. If the containers are not very large, it is allowed to simply install them in a box, and stick stickers on top of the lids or write the name of the spices.

The use of vertical drawers is most acceptable, as they are very long and deep. They do not allow banks to fall out due to the sides or metal strips. The movement occurs in the direction that is located below, it should not be loaded. Convenient double cabinet with shelves for storing spices. A special drawer is used where spices can be kept open and closed.

Cabinet with moving shelves

You can adapt a cabinet with moving shelves for spices. Such a box can be madebehind the refrigerator, if the space between the wall and it is 20 cm. There must be sides, one wall must be made of plywood and have wheels. In such a box it is convenient to contain not only spices, but also sauces, preservation and other useful things for the kitchen.

Other options

Where to store spices in jars? Consider some options:

1. Vertical sliding drawers with special shelves for seasonings are perfect.
2. A good option would be purchased special shelves that can be hung on the wall. They are mainly made of stainless steel and consist of levels with edges connected to each other. They can be attached inside the locker on the doors. However, for such shelves, spices must be stored in dark glass or those that are most often used in order to prevent spoilage.
3. It is convenient to use containers for spices that are mounted vertically or with an inclination on the wall.
4. If there are not very many seasonings, it will be convenient to place them in cones or test tubes.
5. You can also organize space for storing spices on the shelves of the kitchen, but on one condition - if there is no fumes and sunlight. In this case, you can make a special ladder or steps, those that are used often, should be placed closer.
6. Use a vertical type pull-out system to be attached to the ceiling of the shelf. An open shelf with spices will move according to such a system.
7. Storage of spices alloweduse a tray, stand that can be moved to any part of the kitchen.

Conclusion

The aroma and taste of food will depend on how well the spices were stored. Therefore, do not neglect the rules, so as not to spoil the dish by simply adding spices.