It’s officially spring! Now is the time to sift through your clothes, clean out your cabinets, get rid of unnecessary clutter around your house…and don’t forget to wipe down the top of your fridge! Oh, and one other area you might forget to refresh—your spice collection!

So, whether you keep your spices in a drawer, a cabinet, or stuffed wherever they can fit, keep reading for some tips on clearing out and restocking your spices and seasonings.

How Often Should You Replace Your Spices?

Did you know that the average lifespan of a jar of ground spices is 1-2 years? And even then, many spices start to lose their potency after 4-6 months. Before you worry about that five-year-old cumin you used on your tacos last night, spices don’t go bad in the same way that other foods do. They simply lose their vibrancy.

Of course, the bright flavors, aromas, and colors are why we use spices in the first place! Avoid a lackluster curry night by regularly checking your spices for freshness and replacing any that are tired and dull.

Purchasing a whole new set of spices and seasonings can seem daunting. Consider which jars you reach for the most and refresh those first.

How Should You Store Your Spices?

You have new spices. Now what? Storing your spices properly preserves the natural oils that give your spices their potent flavor.

While keeping your spices on a cute rack above your stove might be convenient, it’s one of the worst places to store them. Repeated exposure to heat causes the essential oils in spices to become volatile, resulting in a sharp decline in potency.

As with many food products, a cool, dry, and dark storage space is ideal. Use glass jars with tight-fitting lids to lock in the freshness.  Store spices away from your oven and out of direct sunlight. Lastly, be careful not to introduce moisture into the jars when seasoning your dishes!

Think it’s time to replenish your spice drawer? Check out our new spice display at our Woodstock location!