Spice Refresh

It had been ten years since I organized my spice cupboard and I even had lids and labels with good intentions to do a spice refresh a few years ago. But we all know how this is something easy to put off, so I decided to use moving house as my motivation to edit and organize my spices in the new place.

I began by assessing the space, which has three drawers and not much overhead storage. In this scenario, a spice drawer didn’t make sense, and I didn’t want to crowd my few cupboards near the stove, so I went with one main spice rack on the counter and the odds and ends of spices with shaker tops above the stove. I know heat and light are factors, but you’ve got to work with what you have, and in time, I will find out how this works or not.

Next I cleaned up all the bottles in the dishwasher and took inventory of what spices I love and use often. In 2014 I had tried to get my spices down to the 18 most used spices…but over time, creep came in and I ultimately ordered a second rack.

I watched a few inspiring herb and spice videos to see what others had done in their own kitchens. This one by Pick Up Limes was good as well as Gordon Ramsay‘s video on herbs. Whole spices are good for about a year and ground spices are good for about six months. Time for some fresh spices! There is nothing like their fresh scent and flavor.

I like to buy spices in bulk as a great way to save money and to only buy what I need. Remember that you only need enough for 6-12 months. At Realm Refillery, most spices cost me $1-2 for a regular spice bottle’s worth versus close to $5-6 it would be to buy them by the bottle at the grocery store. Asian grocery stores are another good place to look for fresh spices. Stocking up on ten of my favorite spices cost me twenty dollars!

I also splurged and ordered some spices from Indian As Apple Pie as I love Anupy, her cookbooks and videos. I can’t wait to try her Garam Masala, Turmeric and Coriander found in her Indian 101 starter set.

And while ordering beans from Rancho Gordo, I bought some of their Mexican Oregano. Oh man, I never smelled such fragrant oregano ever! You can tell it is super fresh. Time to cook some beans in the Instapot with this new spice!

When was the last time you did a spice refresh? I know I was way past due and now I’m excited to cook knowing how fresh and accessible everything is.