The Trick To Storing Spices So They Retain Their Flavor
NEWS
By SARAH VALLIE
Allspice
Allspice, be it in the form of whole berries or powder, can last up to two years when kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry place out of direct light.
However, ground allspice will lose its flavor faster than the whole berries. For optimal flavor retention, store the berries whole and grind them into a fresh powder when needed.
Black pepper doesn’t expire, but once ground and packaged, it stays at full flavor for two or three years, whereas whole peppercorns retain their flavor for four years.
Storing the spice away from moisture and heat in an airtight container, preferably glass, helps prevent exposure to air and subsequent oxidization, keeping it from losing flavor.
You can purchase cardamom as the whole pods or already ground. The ground type is most common in stores, and as a result, most people store cardamom all wrong.
Cardamom pods should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve their essential oils for maximum flavor. The pods can then be ground when needed.
Chili powder should be stored away from heat, light, and moisture. However, it does best in the fridge, as the cool temperatures help it retain its colors and flavors.
If kept in airtight containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, ground cinnamon can last two or three years, and cinnamon sticks can last four or five years.