Anna and Kristina???s Grocery Bag - How to Buy and Care for Spices

Spices and herbs contain aromatic substances called essential oils, which are responsible for the aroma and much of the flavor. Try to buy your spices and herbs in the whole form, if possible. Whole herbs and spices last much longer than crushed or ground.

It's easy to grind or pulverize your spices with a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder as needed. Whole spices last for years at a time in your pantry. Ground spices last for months.

If you do keep ground spices, be sure to check them for freshness at least once a year. Here's a good rule: If you can't smell the spice in the bottle or jar, replace it.

Keep your spices away from sources of heat. Of course that means the stove, but it also means your dishwasher or refrigerator, which can both produce more heat than you realize. The same goes for light.

Don't keep spices near a window or sunlight. Spice racks look nice but may put your spices right in harm's way. More Spice Tips:
-Keep cayenne, chili powder and paprika in your refrigerator to ensure they keep a beautiful red color as long as possible.

-Make a note of the date of purchase on the label; then check your spices once a year and replace as needed.

-Don't discard old spice jars. Wash them out and remove the labels. Keep a few on hand in your spice cabinet in case you buy spices that come in fragile plastic bags or for when you grind more than you need.