Tastes Change, So Should Spices!

Happy Summer Solstice! Are you ready for grilling season? If so, you know that spices can bring your dishes to life!

When was the last time you cleaned out your spice cabinet? If it has been years, there is no shame in that; flavors may lose potency but spices won't spoil. Although, if you find a jar labeled 'Paprika' that looks like it belongs in an antique shop, it might be time for an upgrade. Same goes if you happen upon a jar of seasoning that has a price tag from a store that no longer exists (true story). Additionally, I like to remind clients that our tastes and food patterns change from year to year, so I give you permission to leave old favorites behind and start anew at any point! Absolutely no rules exist, nor are there spice cabinet wardens checking on your supply, I promise!

So, with all the freedom in the world to do as you'd wish, let’s work on refreshing your spices by tossing old jars, reorganizing, and trying new seasonings to enhance your summer recipes. Who knows? Perhaps a dash of cinnamon or a touch of cayenne is all it takes to elevate your next dish. Or, just having an alphabetized spice rack might spark joy in the task of cooking again.

Are you ready to try?!  Follow the guidelines below.

BEFORE

Spices "After" in prime upper cabinet location and paired down to just the family favorites. So easy to see and enjoy!

This spice collection can now safely grow, be decanted into matching jars, or left as is with the happiness of knowing what is in stock! Most importantly, the slate is clean and very customizable.

I emphasize that you can always break things into multiple phases (as seen above) because Rome kitchens weren't built in a day, were they?!

Prep: Start by clearing off a large surface, like a kitchen table or an island. Then, gather all the spices and oils from all around the kitchen. Note: they may be hiding in sneaky places and stuck behind larger items in blind corners, cabinets, or drawers. 

Gather & Sort (Kids off for the summer can have fun helping with this step!)

Sort: Gather like with like and categorize in a way that makes sense to you. For example, sweet/savory/salty/peppery, or marinades/toppings, or break them out by types of cuisine, or have a go with alphabetizing them.

Review:  You likely will find multiples of certain spices. Take note of favorites vs. just having duplicates by accident (we've all bought doubles when planning a recipe last minute and not knowing what you have at home already). Again, you have permission to not feel obligated or attached to extras just because they're there.

Check dates:  Look for expiration dates.  They can be tricky; printed on the bottom, or the sides, or etched into crimped tubes that will have you grabbing for your readers to see them! If a date isn't visible, give it the smell test, but be careful not to breathe too much in that you sneeze.

Toss:  Let go of spices that you haven’t used in the last year. The same goes for if any are discolored, smell bad, or have clumped.  Eco tip! Dump the spices into your compost bin and rinse and toss the jars into your recycling bin.

Grab a pen and notepad or open your grocery APP:  As you are tossing them out, create a shopping list of the essential spices that you will need to replace the next time you go to the grocery store. 

Dealing with multiples: Have so much oregano that you could start your own pizza shop?  For spices you have way too much of, gift some to friends or offer up on your local FaceBook Buy Nothing Group. Food pantries will also accept unopened spices within a reasonable timeframe of their expiration date.

[Optional] Replace jars to get them all matching: If a synchronized, tidy kitchen preference extends to behind your cabinet doors, or if the ease of finding a spice quickly has been a dream, perhaps it is time to invest in matching jars. Be mindful of the jar and lid materials... glass jars and metal lids have the longest lasting powers (for containers and contents), while plastic varieties can be more durable and safe (from breakage). I like matching jumbo jars too, if the shelf space allows for it, for favorites bought in bulk like nutritional yeast, garlic salt, and oregano.

Matching Jars Creates Harmony and Are Easier On The Brain When Trying To Find "The One"

Wipe down:  For the spices that have made the cut and will stay, give the bottles a quick cleaning, especially if they are sticky or runny. Additionally, rub a wet paper towel around the interior screw top to keep it easy to open in the future. 

Label: For new jars, blank shipping labels can be filled out by hand, or specialty pre-printed spice labels can be ordered ahead of time as well. For any jar new or old, add little white dot stickers (like the ones used for pricing at flea markets) and write the expiration date on them with a Sharpie to have an easy view of expiration dates in the future.

And last but certainly not least, Organizing!

Group spices by frequency of use, everyday essentials like salt, pepper, and garlic powder deserve prime placement, while rarities, like those for specialty baking, can be tucked away but still within reach. Think top priorities in the front row, or on a turntable, but no matter what, always try to keep all labels visible to avoid losing track of your supply.

Set them in a pefect-for-you spot! There are so many ways to keep them all together in a neat way! From tiered racks to perimeter shelves (like The Spicy Shelf) to spice holders on the inside of cabinet doors, or magnetic strips on the side of your refrigerator. Don't overlook a medium sized drawer that is located near your oven, there are wonderful stadium-seating style drawer liners that display jars for easy reading and grabbing when needed. Lastly, matching baskets with separated categories (labeled on outside of bins) works too, especially if you have to store and split spices up in tighter storage scenarios.

Spice overflow: Unless your spice is used extremely often, it's okay to toss the tiny bit that doesn't fit in your new jars, or to let go of the previously mentioned double you accidentally bought. For favorites that need constant restocking (in our house it is sweet yellow curry) you can keep the extra stash in an airtight bag or container in an easy-to-remember spot, just don’t forget to mark those expiration dates, or you may just go back to square one! 

Mason Jars Hold Overflow Spices Well

Thanks for being here, Happy Sorters! I would love to hear what spices or spice systems you trade out or upgrade to this summer. Don't hesitate to send me a snapshot or story, I am there with you encouraging it to be refreshed according to your current tastes!

Stay (tastefully) organized until the next post!