Some common spices (cinnamon, cloves, pepper, etc.) and their blends can last for years when stored properly. But if your favorite organic spices are shoved in the back of the pantry, exposed to light, or sitting for a long time in an airtight container, they might become stale or lose their flavor.
Which defeats the purpose of using them, no?
Your spice closet, if you’re like most chefs, is a jumble. You keep the spices you use the most in the front of the pantry, while spices you didn’t even realize you had are hidden in the back.
Some spices have undoubtedly been on the shelf for a long time. It’s time to clean up the mess so you can get the most out of your spices and keep track of what you have.
These suggestions for organizing spices in your kitchen and storing spices and herbs for maximum freshness will come in handy the next time you cook.
How to organize your spice rack
You can arrange spices in several ways. Organizing by alphabetical order is the most common method, and may be your best choice.
Another way is to separate them into different groups, and place a colored sticker on top to easily distinguish what you need. This is a great tip, especially if you intend to organize your spices into rows in your cabinet.
Don’t have a spice rack? No worries – there are many ways to organize spices in your kitchen. Here are just some of them:
Drawer
You can store spices in a drawer to save room in the cabinet and make your go-to seasonings very easy to find when you need them.
If you go with drawer storage, you’ll need a drawer insert to keep everything in order and organized.
If you don’t have enough space to set the jars down, put them in a drawer so they may stand up. Just make sure you mark the jars’ tops so you know what’s inside.
Deli containers
Do you have a label maker?
Stack 8-ounce clear deli containers in a cupboard for a creative spice storage method. Many chefs prefer this method since it not only saves space but also allows you to dip a measuring spoon directly into the spices.
Tension rods
Install a tension rod to easily expand cabinet space by stacking smaller spice containers on top of larger ones. If you have tall drawers, you can also try this method.
Under cabinets
Another brilliant method to convert unused space into storage is to use the lower shelves of your upper cabinets! Simply attach magnets to the lids of glass jars and suspend a magnetic knife strip beneath the cabinet.
You’ll be able to see and grab what you need with ease, and you won’t be wasting valuable cabinet space.
On the side of your refrigerator
Put your spices in magnetic tins and keep them on your fridge’s side.
You’ll always be able to see what you have (as long as you mark them), they’ll be easy to reach, and it will free cabinet space up.
Use a pegboard
Consider using a pegboard as a spice rack if you have the room on your walls. You may also make it appear attractive so that it serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose.
Baby Food Jars
If you have ever had a baby in the house, you know how quickly those empty baby food jars can accumulate.
Why not use them for your seasonings?
Paint the lids and add nice, handmade labels to dress them up a little. They’ll not only look great, but they’ll also be extremely functional. What a fantastic way to repurpose old baby food jars. It keeps them from adding to the landfill too.
Important to know
It’s essential to inventory all of your spices and herbs so you know what you have and when it’s time to get rid of what you don’t need.
Spices and herbs that have been dried may not inherently “spoil,” although they do lose flavor over time.
To ensure that dried spices and herbs remain flavorful for as long as possible, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Don’t store them over the stove; the heat will turn them bland more quickly.
When not in use, keep the containers closed.
It is also important to store fresh herbs properly. They can be stored in a jar with about one inch of water in the fridge.
7 Cheap DIY Kitchen Cabinet Organization Ideas
