How do you store herbs and spices and how long do they keep?!
Answers:
Store in airtight containers in dry places away from sunlight and heat
At times listed, check aroma; if faded, replace
Whole cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon sticks maintain quality beyond 2-year period
Can be stored in the freezer to extend shelf life
Whole spices -1 to 2 years
Ground spices - 6 months
Herbs - 6 months
Herb and spice blends - 6 months
nfd?Www@FoodAQ@Com
At times listed, check aroma; if faded, replace
Whole cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon sticks maintain quality beyond 2-year period
Can be stored in the freezer to extend shelf life
Whole spices -1 to 2 years
Ground spices - 6 months
Herbs - 6 months
Herb and spice blends - 6 months
nfd?Www@FoodAQ@Com
spices should be stored in a dark cool place (drawer, pantry) fresh herbs do best in a cup of water I believe!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
The best way to store herbs and spices is in airtight, low air amount containers and in cool/cold/freezing conditions!.
Herbs and spices generally contain volatiles which are what gives them their aroma and tastes!. They are easily oxidised by the air and high temperatures evaporate them from the herbs/spices!.
Keeping them in airtight, low air amount containers reduces the amount of oxidation by exposure to the air and freezing/keeping cool helps reduce their evaporation rate!.
How long they keep depends on their original state if they are fresh from the garden vs dried etc, and what you use them for!. Dried herbs/spices generally last longer but have lost much of their original aroma and tastes compared with fresh, but if you freeze fresh ones, they should last quite a considerable while!.
The only problem with freezing herbs (not spices though) is the freezing process destroys the plant cells generally so once the herb is defrosted, it turns into a soft limp material, but still has the aroma/taste!. This is from experience of freezing basil leaves!. This is also why you will find lots of people freeze their ground coffee, to reduce the loss of the coffee aromatics when they can't use it all soon!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Herbs and spices generally contain volatiles which are what gives them their aroma and tastes!. They are easily oxidised by the air and high temperatures evaporate them from the herbs/spices!.
Keeping them in airtight, low air amount containers reduces the amount of oxidation by exposure to the air and freezing/keeping cool helps reduce their evaporation rate!.
How long they keep depends on their original state if they are fresh from the garden vs dried etc, and what you use them for!. Dried herbs/spices generally last longer but have lost much of their original aroma and tastes compared with fresh, but if you freeze fresh ones, they should last quite a considerable while!.
The only problem with freezing herbs (not spices though) is the freezing process destroys the plant cells generally so once the herb is defrosted, it turns into a soft limp material, but still has the aroma/taste!. This is from experience of freezing basil leaves!. This is also why you will find lots of people freeze their ground coffee, to reduce the loss of the coffee aromatics when they can't use it all soon!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Store spices in a cool, dark place!. Heat, humidity and excessive light will result in the dry herbs and spices losing their favour more quickly!.
A good way to store herbs and spices are small glass or plastic airtight containers!.
If stored properly, dried herbs and ground spices will retain their favours for a year!.
Whole spices may last for 3 to 5 years!.
For best results grind whole spices in a grinder or mortar & pestle!. If you want to enhance the whole spice favour, try roasting the whole spice in a dry skillet over a medium heat, being careful not to burn them!.
To keep larger quantities of herbs and spices fresh, store them in tightly sealed containers in the freezer!.
Do not store dry herbs and spices near any humid source, such as sinks, dishwashers, kettles, coffee makers, on countertops, near stoves and microwaves!.
Avoid storing dry herbs and spices inside the refrigerator due to the high humid environment!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
A good way to store herbs and spices are small glass or plastic airtight containers!.
If stored properly, dried herbs and ground spices will retain their favours for a year!.
Whole spices may last for 3 to 5 years!.
For best results grind whole spices in a grinder or mortar & pestle!. If you want to enhance the whole spice favour, try roasting the whole spice in a dry skillet over a medium heat, being careful not to burn them!.
To keep larger quantities of herbs and spices fresh, store them in tightly sealed containers in the freezer!.
Do not store dry herbs and spices near any humid source, such as sinks, dishwashers, kettles, coffee makers, on countertops, near stoves and microwaves!.
Avoid storing dry herbs and spices inside the refrigerator due to the high humid environment!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
refrigWww@FoodAQ@Com
I usually use fresh herbs, they will keep a week or so in the refridgerator!. Keep them on the middle shelf though as the top and bottom ones tend to make them icy!. I also buy dried herbs too as they are always handy to have around!.
Spices will keep for several months in sealed jars!. They keep longer than a year if you make your own from scratch!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Spices will keep for several months in sealed jars!. They keep longer than a year if you make your own from scratch!.Www@FoodAQ@Com