The Secrets to Decluttering Your Spice Cabinet for Good
Often, the pantry is where spices go to die. Between the novelty blends you picked up on a whim and the backups of your favorite that you accidentally purchased, its easy for them to be forgotten. If this sounds familiar, weve found your weekend project: Decant your oregano and cinnamon into matching glass bottles.
Its a common-sense idea that pro organizer Shira Gill recently reminded us about when she revamped a bloggers kitchen simply by getting rid of product packaging and streamlining storage vessels to make the whole space feel more uniformand this method works especially well in compact areas, like spice-packed cupboards. We tapped Ivan Fitzgerald, co-owner of Washington, D.Cs Bazaar Spices for more steps on shaping up your spice cabinet.
Do an Inventory
Take stock of your current rotationis it possible there are two garlic salts? See what you can consolidate and eliminate accordingly.
Toss, Toss, Toss
Did you know youre supposed to toss most seasonings after about six months? The exact timing depends on the type, but in general, Fitzgerald recommends keeping whole spices for about eight to 12 months, herbs for four to six, and anything ground for three to four.
That said, the date isnt the only indicator. You know if its still good to hang on to if it has a strong, pungent aroma and vibrant color characteristic of the spice, Fitzgerald adds. Anything ground should have an almost sticky consistency; toss anything thats dull and flat.
Reuse Old Vessels
If youd rather not purchase a whole new set of jars, give what you have a mini makeover. Fitzgerald suggests washing empty bottles, jars, and tins with a gentle detergentand be sure to peel off any old labels. If you have a container that had a particularly pungent aroma, fill it with white rice, and let it sit for a few days to pull out the smell, he says.
Keep Them in the Dark
Air and sunlight are two things that really degrade the quality quickly, he says. Free up a shady corner in your kitchen or save a shelf in your cupboard.
Group Like Spices
Arrange your collection by frequency of use so you always have the turmeric for your morning latte within easy reach. Keep any dynamic duos together too. For instance, if you use coriander in the same dishes as you do cumin, store them next to each other. If nothing else, it will help cut down on prep timewho doesnt love that?
See more ways to organize your kitchen:
This $18 Amazon Best Seller Organizes Way More Than Just Knives
How to Organize Your Kitchen, According to a Professional Chef
New Year, New Kitchen: How to Reorganize Your Space Like a Chef