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8 Ways to Store Kitchen Spices to Keep Them Fresh, Pay Attention to Storage

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8 Ways to Store Kitchen Spices to Keep Them Fresh, Pay Attention to Storage Illustration (credit: pixabay)

Kapanlagi.com - Indonesian cuisine is known for its rich flavors from spices (rempah). Therefore, spices or herbs are essential ingredients in every kitchen. Like any other food ingredient, spices also need to be stored carefully. Improper storage can damage their quality. That's why knowing how to store kitchen spices is important.

Storing kitchen spices properly will not only maintain their quality, but also make our activities in the kitchen easier. We can quickly find the spices we need. So, how do we store kitchen spices to keep them fresh and maintain their quality? Here are some tips gathered from various sources.

 

 

1. Store in Airtight Jars

Air can have a negative effect on kitchen spices. Exposure to air is believed to diminish the flavor of the spices, especially for aromatic herbs and spices. Therefore, one of the best ways to store kitchen spices is by keeping them in airtight jars. Only open the jars when you need to use the spices, then close them tightly again.

2. Keep Away from Sunlight

In addition to air, kitchen spices are also not resistant to sunlight. So, place the jars or containers of kitchen spices away from direct sunlight. However, if possible, choose a cool and dry place. This way, the quality and freshness of the spices can be maintained.

3. Avoid Storing in Hot Places

Hot places are also not suitable for storing kitchen spices. Therefore, avoid storing kitchen spices near stoves, ovens, grills, or toasters. High temperatures are also feared to affect the quality of the spices. It would be better if you provide a special rack or box to place the kitchen spices.

4. Don't Store in Damp Places

One of the reasons why kitchen spices should be stored in a dry and cool place is to avoid excessive moisture. Places that are too damp are the natural habitat for some types of kitchen spices, such as ginger, turmeric, galangal, and so on. So, placing these kitchen spices in a damp place can trigger sprouting and rooting.  

5. Storing Ground Spices

Making ground spices can be one of the options for storing kitchen spices to keep them fresh. You can grind the spices with a blender, then dry them until they are cooked and have a fragrant smell. Once done, you can store them in an airtight jar and place them in the refrigerator.
Besides being easy, this method is also very practical. Because, when you want to use the spices, you just need to take them out and pour them onto the pan.

6. Hanging Bay Leaves

Bay leaves are one of the spices that are frequently used in various Indonesian dishes. Bay leaves not only provide flavor to the food, but also a fragrant and refreshing aroma. Apparently, there is a special way to store bay leaves.

Bay leaves will stay fragrant longer if they are stored by hanging. However, they should not be hung just anywhere. It is better to hang them upside down. So, to do this, it is recommended to pick bay leaves from the garden along with their branches.

7. Spices that Can be Stored in the Refrigerator

So far, the refrigerator has proven to be an effective solution for storing food ingredients. In the refrigerator, food ingredients such as vegetables and meat can last longer. So, can the refrigerator also be used to store spices? The answer is yes.

There are several types of spices that can be stored in the refrigerator. These kitchen spices include those that contain a lot of water, such as chili, lemongrass, spring onions, celery, and so on. Storing these kitchen spices in the refrigerator will make their water content, flavor, and aroma last longer.

To make them last longer, you can wrap the spices with paper before putting them in the refrigerator. This way, the paper will maintain the moisture of the kitchen spices, so they will not spoil quickly.

8. Check Kitchen Seasonings Regularly

To get long-lasting kitchen seasonings, it is advisable to buy them carefully. Because intact kitchen seasonings or spices are believed to last longer. Therefore, the storage process will be relatively easier.

Even if you have bought intact kitchen seasonings, you still need to check them regularly. Then separate the kitchen seasonings that are in good condition from those that are not. This is done to maintain the quality of kitchen seasonings and the dishes you will make.

Well, those are some ways to store kitchen seasonings to make them last longer. You can follow the methods above to maintain the quality of your kitchen seasonings. Hope it's helpful.

(kpl/psp)

Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.
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