Bawa Masala Company Private Limited – Redefining the spice experience, we take pride in bringing you a delightful range of spices.
2nd Floor, Khasra No 32/9
12/1, Village Dhaturi Tehsil
Sonipat, Haryana-131039
Call:
+91 7370000211
Email ID:
info@bmcspices.com
Spices are what make a kitchen work. They take simple items and turn them into dishes that smell great and taste great. But even the best spices can lose their magic over time if they are not kept or used correctly. No matter how often or how little you cook, knowing how to keep your spices fresh, retain their color, and maintain their strength can make a huge difference in how you cook.
Follow these steps to keep your spices as fresh as possible.
You should know what makes spices lose their taste and smell before you try to keep them safe such as:
Oxidation: Which dulls the smell and taste, happens when something is exposed to air.
Light: UV rays damage the color and strength of spices by breaking down their natural oils and dyes.
Wetness: When spices are wet, they can stick together, grow mold, or even go bad.
Heat: When it's hot, the volatile oils in spices evaporate more quickly, diminishing their aroma.
It's much easier to avoid these things once you know about them.
This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep spices fresh. To keep your spices fresh, always store them in airtight containers. You can use stainless steel containers or glass jars with tightly fitting lids.
Please do not keep them in the paper or plastic bags they came in for long periods, as these materials can let air and moisture through.
If you buy a lot of spices, put some in smaller jars for everyday use and store the rest tightly closed in a cool, dark place.
To save space, many people keep their spices close to the stove. However, this is the worst place for them. The heat and steam from cooking can damage their sensitive oils, making it easier for water to build up.
Instead, put it somewhere cool, dark, and dry, like a closed kitchen cabinet or a closet shelf, out of the way of direct sunlight and cooking appliances.
If you want to show off your spices on an open rack for looks' sake, choose containers that are dark or opaque to keep light out.
None of the dry spices likes being wet. When you sprinkle spices straight from the jar over steaming pots, the steam can get inside and cause the spices to lump together.
Get a dry measuring spoon and scoop out the right amount. Then, add it to your dish. By doing this little thing, you can make your spices last a lot longer. Also, keep humidity in mind if you live in a warm or coastal area.
Peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon sticks, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds all last much longer when whole than when ground. More surface area is exposed to air when you grind something, which speeds oxidation and loss of flavor.
For each recipe, only grind the amount of spices you need. You can buy a small spice grinder or a mortar and pestle. This will ensure that every time you cook, the food smells and tastes freshest.
Spices don't go bad like some foods do, but they do lose their flavor and strength over time. To keep track, write the date you bought or the date it goes bad on the top of each jar.
As a general rule:
Whole spices can stay fresh for three to four years
Ground spices usually keep their taste for one to two years
Dried herbs can remain useful for six months to a year
Check your spice collection regularly and discard any that don't smell or taste fresh.
It can be tempting to buy a lot of spices at once, especially when they're on sale, but unless you cook for a restaurant or a big family, it's better to buy less.
The more time that goes by, the less scent spices have. Brand-new spices always smell and taste the best. Think of your spice collection as something that should be updated often, not kept for long.
Some spices do better when kept cool, especially if you live in a humid area. Most spices are fine at room temperature.
Some spices, like paprika, chili powder, and turmeric, contain natural oils that can go rancid when heated for too long. Putting them in the fridge can help them last longer.
Make sure to use containers that don't let air in so that condensation doesn't form or smells from other foods get absorbed.
When you handle herbs, always use a clean, dry spoon. Do not dip oily or wet spoons into spice jars. Even a small amount of moisture or residue can help bacteria grow, causing the spice to spoil faster.
Take some time to look through your spice cabinet at regular intervals. Check whether the smell or color has changed significantly. If they have, it's time to get new ones.
Instead of throwing away old spices, you can use them again by adding them to cleaning products, perfume mixes, or even natural bug sprays.
Fresh spices are like magic dust for cooking as they make every dish taste better, smell better, and make you happy. You can easily keep their quality for years with a few careful habits.
It's important to keep them out of light, heat, air, and water, and to use them carefully and often. You should take good care of your spices so that every time you cook, the food will taste rich and real.
