Buying & Storing Indian Spices
Transform your dish into something unforgettable, add spice! It might sound simple but what some fail to realize is how delicate spices really are. Spices require specific care in order to give us that powerful, lasting flavor. Indian spices can make or break your dish. So becoming educated in buying and storing spices will give you that advantage you need when showing off your cooking skills.
Buying Indian Spices
When purchasing spices it is important to avoid the supermarket. Although it may be cheaper, grocery stores do not keep track of their spices. You don’t know their rotation cycle. Some spices you purchase can be years old and stale. Yes, spices get stale.
There are a few things to consider when purchasing spices and here are some tips:
- Purchase Whole Spices
Whole spices might be more work but the difference is huge. Spices are in their richest form when whole. Ground spices have the chance to have extra additives like salt, flour, etc. Sticking to whole spices will give you potency and a more full flavor. Plus, they stay
fresh longer!
- Grind Them Yourself
Although it can be time consuming, grinding your own spices is worth it! Grinding your own spices will allow you to keep your spices longer and more rich. This will also give your the opportunity to mix your own spices while knowing exactly what is in them. Nothing can compare to homemade spices!
- Buy Small Amounts at a Time
Spices are expensive and it is important to not waste your money, or waste your spices! Buying spices in small amounts at a time will save your lots of loss. What some fail to realize is that spices stale quickly. The more you buy, the faster you’ll have to use them or throw them out! When a spice gets stale it loses its complexity. No matter how much of the spice you add to your dish, you will not get the same great flavor.
Storing Indian Spices
- Age Of Spices
Since spices can stale so easily it is important to keep track of the age of your spices. By simply labeling them with the date you open them, it can save you a great deal of time. Make it a point to check on your spices, some can get hidden in the back and go untouched for months. Making sure all your spices are clearly visible can help to avoid this. Lastly, be sure to throw them out every eight months, this is the average life most spices take.
- How To Store Them
How you store your spices is a huge contributor to their longevity. Air, light, heat and humidity are four contributors to increasing damage on spices. It is important to consider what you will keep your spices stored in. Items like old jam jars, small plastic bags, small plastic containers, and are good options. The tighter the seal, the less likely your spices are to spoil.
- Where You Store Them
After deciding how you will store your spices, it is equally important to decide where to store them. Since you need to avoid light, heat and humidity your spaces can seem limited. A great option is your freezer. Spices can last up to three years and you can defrost the exact amount you need at a time. Cabinets and drawers are smart options too since they are dark and concealed. Just be sure your storage area is not by a window or the stove. I know it is convenient to have your spices right next to you when you cook, but the heat can be harmful to your spices. Storing properly leads to added freshness and potency!
An Alternative
Want an even easier alternative? Try Sambar Kitchen’s all natural Indian ingredients. Let us save you the hassle. Forget about the time commitment of making sure your spices are fresh and let Sambar do it for you! Our healthy and fresh ingredients will not disappoint. We believe in all natural ingredients and our promise is in our packaging. We don’t fill our Indian spices and sauces with un-natural fillers. Good nutrition and good food are two things that everyone needs, so that is what we offer in all of our food products. Through our all natural ingredients, we bring our family’s Indian recipes to your family’s kitchen table to enjoy delicious homemade Indian cuisine.
