Every Indian kitchen uses ground spices or masalas as a key ingredient for cooking as it adds a unique flavour, taste and richness to the dishes cooked there. The essence of this flavour and taste is the freshness of the spices and how well they are stores in the kitchens. Once the whole spices are ground, their potency can diminish over time if not stored properly. To help you maintain the freshness and flavour of your ground spices, here are a few spice storage tips -
Understanding Spice Freshness
Ground spices lose their aroma and essence over time due to exposure to air, moisture, heat, and light and hence can start losing their potency within six months to a year, while whole spices can last much longer. Hence, it is important to pay special attention to storing ground spices by minimising their exposure to elements that accelerate their degeneration and extend the spice shelf life.
1. Right Containers
The first step to maintaining the freshness of your ground spices is selecting appropriate airtight spice containers. The jar must be air tight and must keep moisture out. Do use glass jars and avoid plastic containers, as the later has the ability to absorb flavour. Metal tins can also work well.
2. Away from Light
Light plays a significant role in degrading the quality of ground spices. UV rays have the ability to break down the oils in the spices and contribute to the degeneration of the. Dark colour or opaque spice storage containers are preferable to prevent light from penetrating.
3. Cool & Dry Place
Heat and humidity are enemies of ground spices. Essential oil which is inherent part of the ground spices can evaporate in warmer environment and moisture may lead to clumping and spoilage. It's best to store your spices in a cool dark & dry place away from direct sunlight — preferably in a spice storage pantry or a cupboard away. The ideal temperature for storing spice is room temperature (15-24°C).
4. Avoid Frequent Opening
Each time the container is opened, air enters the jar and could lead to oxidation and loss of flavour. Open the container only when you have to use the ground spices. If you have spices that are used frequently, then you consider keeping aside a portion in a smaller container, while keeping the larger container sealed.
5. Label Your Spices
Try labelling the container with the name of the spice and the date when it was bought or last opened. By doing this, it will help you monitor their freshness and remind you to use them before they lose their flavour.
6. Freezing is an option
If you wish to prolong the freshness of spices, you may consider freezing them. It may not be practical for daily use, by freezing ground spices you can preserve the aroma and maintain spice flavour for a longer duration by simply placing the spices in airtight freezer safe containers and take out the spices as and when needed.
7. Use Whole Spices
You must opt for whole spices instead of ground ones wherever possible. Whole spices can last much longer and retain their flavour and aroma better than their ground counterparts. You can grind them as needed, which not only ensures freshness but also makes for a delightful sensory experience as you release the oils right before use. A pepper grinder or a mortar and pestle can be an excellent investment for this purpose.
Conclusion
Storing ground spices correctly can significantly impact your cooking skills. Keeping them away from the light, heat and moisture can enhance the flavour and aroma of the spices. By adopting these spice storage solutions, you can enjoy the delightful world of spices. Happy cooking!!!