How to store spices and herbs

How to store spices and herbs:

In general, ground spices will stay fresh up to 2 to 3 years, whole spices up to 4 years. That’s only if you store them airtight in a cool dark cupboard, away from direct heat or sunlight (especially if you keep them in glass jars).

Do not refrigerate your spices and herbs.

It’s better not to keep your spices and herbs in the freezer or fridge. When you take them away from their cold home, they should adjust to the room temperature and the temperature change may cause condensation on the spices and shorten their shelf life. Condensation may lead to mould and no one wants moulded spices!

Keep them in a cool, dark place.

Remember to store your spices and herbs away from direct heat such as stovetops or next to dishwashers. When exposed to heat, the oils in herbs and spices dry out. Since the oil is usually where the flavour comes from, losing oil means losing flavour. When sealed in containers that aren’t air tight, the moisture from the air can seep in and damage the integrity of your spices.

Ideal temperature to keep your spices in

Store your herbs and spices in a cool, dry place. The ideal temperature is one that remains fairly constant, averaging right around 20 °C.