Lulu Grimes

How to... Store Spices

Appears in
The Cook's Book of Everything
The Cook's Book of Everything

By Lulu Grimes

Published 2009

  • About
  • Most spices are available whole, ground and powdered. Ground spices lose their flavour and aroma quickly so buy them in small quantities and store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months only.
  • Similarly, spice mixes will only keep for a short time and the individual spices may have different rates of staling, which can upset the balance of flavour.
  • Where possible, buy spices whole and use your own spice grinder or mortar and pestle to grind them as needed.
  • Buy good-quality spice mixes — those that contain whole spices should be in good condition and not just a way of using up broken spices; powdered mixes should be freshly ground, if possible.