Spices are essential in cooking. They make everything so much more flavorful. They are also expensive!
We have the coolest spice cupboard ever and it cost a fraction of what you would think. How did we do it?
- The Bulk Barn (or equivalent) is your best friend. See those little teeny jars in the upper right corner of the first picture. Those (jars*) were mine from my apartment when we first were married. They cost anywhere from $3 to $7 for a little jar in the grocery store. I can fill a mason jar for a fraction of the cost at the bulk store. Sometimes, depending on the spice, it is pennies for the amount I want to purchase!
- Invest in mason jars. Depending on the number of spices you stock and the quantities you go through, you can get the 125, 250, 500ml containers or of course, 1 and 1.5L. These are easy to see into and easy to label. They are more customizable, wash better and are much cheaper than dollar store plastics and will last you much longer.
- Label, Label, Label. Do you ever look at something wondering. “what is this?!?”. We’ve done that a lot, whether it be freezer items or cupboard items. Whatever it is, label it. Paper with tape over it, permanent marker or a professional labeler all do the job. My DH bought me a labeler for Christmas one year. At first I thought he was a little crazy but I have used it for so much. He also got it for an unbelievable price using a sale and coupons.
Spicy Tips:
Proper storage extends the life of your spices!
Air tight is right!
Cool, Dark Place – heat humidity and light can all contribute to flavor loss. Avoid storing above your stove or in the fridge.
Shelf Life - Ground spices last about a year. Whole spices about 3-5 years. These are just ‘recommended’ time frames. With proper storage (sealed, cool, dry place), I’ve used my spices much longer. They don’t go ‘bad’, they simply loose flavor.
If possible, grind your own spices just prior to use. They’ll be fresher and more flavorful!
Now I would like to take credit for this fabulous cupboard but, alas, it was my incredibly brilliant husband who came up with and implemented it. I do, however, take full credit for the fabulous labels on everything! What a dynamic duo we make!
This post links to This post links to Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, and Works for Me Wednesday.
You are going to think I'm nuts, but this cabinet is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI love how nice and neat it is. And, oh, those labels!!!
Great post! I use the little 4oz jelly jars for my little used spices and the larger jars for what we tend to use a lot of. The little jars fit perfectly in a shallow drawer next to the stove :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Gail
There is no Bulk Barn in Alberta! Isn't that horrible? I've been missing it.
ReplyDeleteI'm jealous that all your spices are in one place! We have 3 spice racks. 1 that sits on the counter and 2 that hang on the wall. I would love to have a cupboard where all the spices would fit but our house is oh so small and lacks storage space.
That is quite practical, and also really lovely to look at on the shelves!
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Jamie
I am in love with this!! Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWow, super organized. I am going to have re-think my spice drawer. I love the idea of putting everything in glass jars!
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love the Mason jar idea! I've been trying to figure out what to do with my spice cupboard, and you have inspired me! Awesome. I've checked out spice jars at both Ikea and Michaels, but I think I'm going the Mason jar route. Thanks
ReplyDeleteWow what a beautiful spice cupboard! Awesome!
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