Seasoning expert Matt Webster explained why it’s so important to store spices properly – and it’s bad news for those who have been doing it wrong all these years
Video Unavailable
Woman calls police to complain about the spices added to her burger
Spices are a must-have in any home cook’s kitchen.
But they can quickly become a costly expense if you don’t store them properly. It became a viral trend online to pour spices into aesthetic jars for display. However, an expert warned you could be wasting your money by doing that.
Founder of Seasoned Pioneers, Matt Webster, claimed incorrect storage of spices could not only spoil their taste and smell, it can end up costing you more money in the long-run. However, there is a way to prolong their shelf life.
The food expert responded to a viral video showing of an influencer putting her spices in clear jars on a Ferris Wheel-style rack, which gained more than 58,000 likes on TikTok. While it may look nice, Matt warns that leaving them exposed to light in clear containers could spoil them.
He said: “Light, air, moisture, and heat are the worst enemies of spices. If spices are left exposed to any of these, their aroma and flavour can fade away in a disappointingly short span of time.
“Most spices have a shelf life of about two to three years, but if stored correctly, they could last beyond five years. If you’ve ever found your spices clumped together when you go to use them, that is because they should always be stored in airtight and opaque containers to maintain their aroma and texture.
“Experts recommend using pouches rather than glass or clear plastic containers, as this ensures the product’s longevity by protecting it from oxidation and keeping it dry and fresh.”
He also advised people to avoid storing them too close to the oven or pouring them out over the top of a hot pan. He added: “The oils that give spices their delicious, unique and potent flavours start to evaporate around 37C.”
Finally, it’s important to know when to bin your spices, particularly if they’re stored in glass jars. If the spice starts to smell musty, loses its scent or changes colour, then it’s time to part ways.
Looking for more hacks? Previously, a woman was hailed a “genius” for her cheese-cutting trick that promises even slices each time. Bella, known online as @paperbelle, has been hailed for her ‘genius’ cheese-cutting method that ditches the traditional knife.
