The Cabinet Storage Mistake That's Making Your Kitchen Spices Lose Their Flavor Faster

When trying to organize a kitchen, convenience is one of the first factors many people consider. Keeping glasses near your water sources and cookware by the stove just makes sense. However, there are times when prioritizing quick access can be harmful. If you store your spices near or above your stove, you may be unintentionally causing them to degrade faster than normal. Heat from a hot stove can cause the oils in spices to evaporate, making them lose their signature zing. So, whether you love bold flavorings and regularly take time to organize your spices so you can see all of your options or just need a way to make them last longer between occasional uses, proper storage is essential.

Just as stoves produce heat that evaporates oils from spices, other kitchen appliances can do the same. Keeping them close to an oven or dishwasher also creates conditions that are too hot to handle. Even if a cabinet seems like the perfect cool, dark space that is typically recommended for spice storage, you should feel the temperature inside when the nearest kitchen appliance is running before committing to placing your seasonings inside. When choosing a better location, also remember that spices should not be stored in sunlit or humid spaces. With all of these restrictions, you may be wondering if there are any areas in your kitchen that will work for sensible organization. Luckily, there are some unexpectedly good spots.

With proper storage, your spices can have a shelf life between about one and three years without losing their flavor. If you are concerned that your spices have been sitting in a warm cabinet for too long, check their appearance and aroma before moving them to a better location. Spices should be bright in color rather than dull and still have a sharp smell after a quick shake of the container.

It is not uncommon for kitchens to have a small spice cabinet near the stove. While this may make you think that spices ought to be stored in cabinets, there are plenty of other places in your kitchen to try out. For example, if all of the cabinets get too warm or are too large, an easy, nearby option is to lay your jars down in a shallow drawer. You can even replace your spice rack with a spice drawer with Dollar Tree supplies to use the space efficiently. Just make sure that it is also not near any heat sources. If it seems too close, situate your spices to the side of the drawer furthest from the appliance. Placing spices on a pantry shelf away from the sun can also be a good idea. Add some tiered shelving or a lazy Susan, and your spices will be easy to see and access, even if they are a few steps further from the stove. For more ideas, consider these genius ways to store spices without cluttering up your kitchen.