How to Keep Your Spices and Seasonings Fresh for Longer

If you are an avid cook and are always on the lookout for new recipes and flavors, you are probably interested in learning how to handle chicken correctly, if eggs should be washed, what are the best cuts of meat, how to clean burnt pots, and more, as all this will help you enjoy cooking and the dishes you prepare even more.  During the cooking process, you have surely noticed that adding certain spices and seasonings enhances or improves flavors, so these are essential in your kitchen. However, it is worth mentioning that, with the exception of salt, all powdered spices and seasonings lose some aroma and flavor after a certain period.  So if you want to keep all your spices and seasonings fresh and full of flavor for longer, all you need to do is follow our tips, and you'll notice the difference when cooking! You can also read: 4 tips to make cilantro and parsley last longerHow to keep spices and seasonings fresh for longer Improving the seasoning of soups, creams, pastas, stews, and meat will be very simple, as flavors improve if you add the exact amount of salt and spices or seasonings, which will taste better if they are fresh, so don't miss the cooking tips that Kiwilimon has for you. 1.  Keep spices at the ideal temperature If you have several jars or bags of spices and seasonings and want them to last fresh longer, it is important not to expose them to heat. Store them in a cool, dry place, so do not keep them near the stove.  2. Close the jars tightly! To keep the spices and seasonings fresh for longer, it is vital that they are tightly closed, as otherwise, moisture could penetrate the powdered seasonings.  This is a good opportunity to reuse glass jars, as they are an excellent option to keep your spices fresh for longer.  3. Store them in the refrigerator Although it may be hard to believe, there are some seasonings that can be stored in the refrigerator, as this way the color and flavor will last longer. Some spices that you can store in the refrigerator include paprika and chili powder.  You can also read: Spices and herbs can help lower blood pressure4. When do they expire? Another good way to determine if it's time to buy another jar of pepper, garlic powder, or paprika is to place a label with the date it was opened on the jar, so you will know if it's time to discard it.  5. Dare to buy whole spices Although powdered spices and seasonings are very convenient, it is true that they lose flavor over time and can be more expensive, so an excellent option is to buy whole peppercorns, cloves, cumin, and more, as these will stay fresh much longer. 6. Be careful! If you notice that the color of the spices looks dull, and the smell is weak, it's time to let them go and replace them. You can also read: The most used spices in Indian cuisine