Tired of searching for spices you can’t find? End the spice-hunt frustration and enjoy cooking with these spice storage ideas!
Like your pantry, spices have different packaging and storage options which can lead to a cluttered disaster instead of an organized collection. It can be a source of great frustration or an easy-to-find cooking and baking flavor mecca.
The last thing you want when you’re cooking a meal and juggling other things at the same time is to have to search for that jar of basil that you know you just purchased.
Scrounging around your spice cabinet and picking up every green-looking spice you can find takes valuable time and becomes incredibly frustrating which is why implementing kitchen organization ideas is an absolute must.
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The last thing you want is to have to rifle through a disorganized mess of spice bottles just to find the one you need.
Whether you cook with just a few spices or a large variety, you will benefit from having a top-notch spice organization system so that you can easily grab what you need, when you need it.
Instead of getting frustrated while looking for that one spice, check out these spice storage ideas and organization tips.
How Long Should You Keep Spices
The shelf life of spices can vary depending on the type of spice and how it is stored. Generally, ground spices tend to lose their flavor and aroma faster than whole spices.
Whole spices (such as cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and cardamom pods) can be stored for up to 4 years in a cool, dry place.
Ground spices (such as cinnamon, cumin, and paprika) can be stored for up to 2-3 years in a cool, dry place.
And dried herbs (such as basil, thyme, and oregano) can be stored for up to 2-3 years in a cool, dry place.
It’s important to note that the above guidelines are just general recommendations, and the actual shelf life of your spices may vary depending on factors such as the quality of the spice, the humidity of your storage area, and how often you open and use the spice.
Where Should You Store Spices
Spices should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Exposure to heat, moisture, and light can cause spices to lose their flavor, aroma, and potency more quickly.
Keep spices away from stovetops, ovens, and other heat sources to prevent them from becoming damaged by heat.
Spices should be stored in a dark location, such as a pantry or cabinet, to avoid exposure to sunlight.
Proper storage will help preserve the quality and flavor of your spices and ensure that they remain fresh and potent for as long as possible.
What is the Best Way to Store Spices
Spices store the best in airtight containers which are stored in cool, dark places.
Air, moisture, and light can all cause spices to lose their flavor and aroma. Use airtight containers, such as glass jars with tight-fitting lids or resealable plastic bags, to keep spices fresh.
Use labels or markers to identify your spices and the date they were purchased or opened. This will help you keep track of their freshness and avoid using expired spices.
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Creative Spice Organization Ideas
Coming up with an organization plan for your spices can feel daunting, no doubt. That’s why these clever ideas for storing spices will inspire you as you set up the ideal spice storage arrangement for your home.
Spice Organization & Storage Ideas
This system works really well if you don’t have a tile backsplash in your way.
Use magnetic tins and add your own flair to them by customizing each with contact paper and labels.
Repurpose a drawer into an organized tiered spice drawer any cook would drool over.
Complete your organization project by peeling off the jar labels and adding hand-written chalkboard labels to each bottle.
You can purchase risers for your spice jars, or you can DIY them.
This makes it really easy to see everything you have.
This spice organization idea is so good!
Add a spice rack that creates shelves so other parts of the shelf are free for other staples.
This organizational idea makes spices easy to see and grab quickly when needed.
Use lazy susans to create easy to reach spots in your cabinets.
Using a multi-tiered lazy susan can make hard to reach spots much easier to get to.
Paint a small wooden pallet your favorite color and hang it on your wall to use as an instant spice rack!
This idea yields 4 spacious shelves to hold your spices in a space-saving, easy-to-find way.
Bonus: hang graters, measuring spoons or measuring cups underneath.
One simple and affordable way to store spices you buy in bulk is to utilize mason jars.
Keep in mind that this will hold quite a high volume of spice, but if you use a good amount of spices, a mason jar might be the perfect solution!
For kitchens with little storage space, a slim storage rack that can fit in between the refrigerator and cabinets could be the perfect solution to your spice storage problems.
They even come on wheels to easily pull it out and you can find several different designs fit your kitchen.
Show off your scientific side with a test tube spice rack.
Slim, cute, and ultra-organized, a spice storage idea like this one is not only handy but also a decoration.
This spice storage solution can fit anywhere, even in small kitchens with very little counter space.
Hanging spices – whether on hooks or in racks – is a terrific (and chic) way to organize your spices while keeping them within arm’s reach while you’re cooking.
Using acrylic shelves is an easy way to make your spices look tidy and add storage where typically there is nothing.
Add them to the inside of a pantry door, inside of a cabinet door, or a wall in your kitchen.
Don’t let your spices disappear in the back of your pantry behind the canned tomatoes while you search in vain for that missing paprika.
Creating some simple spice storage systems will pay huge dividends when you’ve got dinner on the stove and need that pinch of cumin.
Use these spice organization tips to help you keep your spices organized, looking (and tasting their best) and within arm’s reach anytime you need them.
I hope you have found these spice storage ideas inspiring and will be able to use one of them in your own home to make cooking fun again!
I have a spice armoire.
I loved all these great ideas. I think I saw a few things I want to do! Thank you for sharing!