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The winter season is not just hard on you; keeping your kitchen ingredients fresh can pose quite a challenge. Since the chill in the weather always calls for comfort foods, be it a bowl of piping hot soup, rich curries, or rich desserts, spices are the most frequently used kitchen essentials in winter.
But the cold temperatures and humidity can wreak havoc on your spice collection, which can make them soggy and even make them lose their flavour. So, whether you’re making season-special mulled wine or simmering a warm curry, storing spices mindfully is extremely important. With these storage hacks, you can make sure that your spices stay fresh and aromatic throughout the winter months.
Invest In Airtight Containers
The best way to protect the spices from humidity is always to store them in airtight containers. Since these containers can protect the spices from both air and moisture, the spices will not clump and spoil. So, all you need to do is invest in quality airtight containers with rubber-sealed lids or snap closures. It is better if you pick small jars to minimise the amount of air entering the container whenever you open it.
Store In A Cool And Dry Spot
While you might have already read it a hundred times on every label, “store in a cool and dry place,” it can make a lot of difference in preserving the quality of your spices in the winter months. You must avoid storing the spice jars near your gas stove, microwave, or oven to keep them away from heat. It is preferred that you keep the containers filled with spices in a drawer or cupboard that is not exposed to direct sunlight.
Freeze Whole Spices
If you want to extend the shelf life of your spices, one of the best ways is to freeze the whole spices. Whether you want to store cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, or even nutmeg, you can retain their essential oils by not grinding them and storing them whole in an airtight container or a freezer-safe ziplock bag and freezing them.
Add Desiccants
To prevent your stored spices from getting soggy or clumping, you can always add desiccants like a silica gel packet or some rice grains in the container. This will help absorb any excess moisture present in the spice jar. However, you must only use food-safe silica gel packs and also replace them regularly with new ones.
Label And Replace
Proper labelling is essential for organised and efficient spice storage. Clearly label each container with the name of the spice and the date you purchased it. This will help you identify older spices that may have lost their potency and prevent you from accidentally using expired ingredients. With the proper labelling, you can also quickly replace the spices with new ones whenever they lose their flavour or are expired.
