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Spices
 
Seasonings & Blends
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 Spice "How-To"

 
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Why Shop Spice Barn? 

Why buy spices online when they are so readily available at your local store? The answer is price and quality.  All spices are not created equal, there are many different quality levels.  Compare!  We offer high quality products.  You can have "chefs" quality at a reasonable price!

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Spices Info...

 How to Store Spices
  How to maximize the life of
  your spices and herbs.

 Using Herbs and Spices
  How much to use and when
   to add herbs and spices.

 What with What
  A chart for combing spices
  with foods.

 Substituting
  Substituting dried herbs,
   spices, and vegetables
   for fresh.
 

               

 
      Shipping...

      General Info

       
Transit Times

        Express Shipping

        Return Policy
 


Storing Spices
 
Spices and herbs contain aromatic substances called "essential oils", which are responsible for the aroma and much of the flavor.  Most spices and herbs are available in ground and whole form. 

Whole herbs and spices last much longer than crushed or ground.  Many people prefer to buy the whole form and crush or grind as needed.  Herbs and spices can be crushed with a mortar and pestle, or a coffee grinder.  Check ground spices for freshness at least once a year.  If no aroma is detected, the seasoning needs to be replaced. 

Spices and herbs should be kept in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, dark place.  A screw-cap container is better than a flip-top container because it can be tightly resealed. 

1.  Keep them away from heat. Do not store near dishwasher or refrigerator, and they should never be stored near the range, even though it may seem more convenient.  Heat, air, and light cause aromatic oils to evaporate, which causes spices and herbs to lose their flavor.

2. Store away from moisture as dampness will cause caking and loss of quality.  Store in tightly covered jars and use clean, dry spoons for  measuring.  If you live in a high humidity area you may experience difficulty with caking.

3. Store in cool place away from light.  Do not store in a window or in sunlight.  Spice racks are nice, but not the best way to store your spices.

4. Refrigerate cayenne pepper, chili powder, and paprika to retain color longer.

Shelf Life:  Whole spices----2 to 5 years
                Ground spices---6 months to 2 years
                Leafy herbs-------3 months to 2 years
                Dehydrated vegetables---6 months

Tip: Make a note of the date of purchase on the label; then check them once a year and replace as needed.