How to Keep Your Spices Fresh

Cooking with a wide variety of spices is a given when it comes to Asian cuisine. If you are a keen chef and collector of spices or herbs, you may be wondering about the best way to keep your ingredients fresh. Keeping your spices in the best condition is essential when you want a dish full of flavour and depth! Here, we outline some top tips for storing your spices and ensuring they are fresh for your next recipe. If you need to restock you oriental-inspired pantry, why not check out our online Chinese supermarket ?

Keep Away From Moisture

When you’re cooking, don’t pour your spices directly from the container over a steaming pot. This can mean moisture gets into the spices, which will dramatically reduce its shelf-life and can lead to unpleasant clumping. Try to avoid storing your spices on shelves or racks near the stovetop or kettle; anywhere where there is an abundance of steam or moisture is a less than ideal home for spices!

Keep Away From Heat

It can also be a good idea to keep your spices out of direct sunlight and away from ovens or stoves. An over-exposure to heat can dull the flavours and will give them less of a kick. Keeping bottles of spices in a cool and dry cupboard can often be your best bet!

Buy Appropriate Amounts

It can be tempting to buy spices in bulk, but it is often better to buy just what you need . Storing hordes of spice that you won’t use up for years will mean that the majority of what you have bought will go to waste. Buying in bulk can backfire as you will end up with unusable ingredients with bland flavours. Focus on buying small containers of spices you know you will utilise.

Buy Whole Spices When Possible

This may not be appropriate for everything, but buying whole spices rather than pre-ground ones can ensure they stay fresher and more flavourful. Buying whole nutmeg, whole cloves or cinnamon sticks are excellent examples of this. You will be able to grate or grind a couple of handfuls of the chosen spice as and when you need it. There is far less chance of it becoming stale this way.

Consider Fridge Storage

As already stated, spices prefer cool and dry environments, but some benefit from being stored in an even chiller place. Spices derived from red peppers like paprika and chilli powder stay fresher when stored in the fridge. The cooler temperature will also help your spices keep their vibrant colour. Consider doing some research into your most frequently used spices to find out which specific kitchen environment they are most suited to.

Secure Lids

Make sure you screw your spice bottles’ lids securely after use. This will prevent any moisture or further contaminants corrupting your ingredients. Super-secure lids will also prevent extremely aromatic spices from losing any precious flavour. Which spices are your go-to for an infusion of next-level flavour? For more tasty oriental inspiration, remember to take a look at our range of authentic Asian ingredients!