It is always better to store spices and herbs in glass than in the plastic containers in which most spices come. Unless you want to go and spend a lot of money on a matching set of spice bottles, make your own, or rather recycle your own.
Small olive jars make the perfect spice jars. The jars I use measure five inches for the smallest size and six inches for the larger size. This is handy because usually there are some spices that are used more and more often and others not as much or as often so you may fill them as your need dictates. It is also handy to make your own set if you purchase in bulk (which I often do, depending on the spice or herb). By purchasing bulk, the herbs and spices are fresher, you are saying no to plastic that is harmful to us and the planet, and you save lots of money.
If you even use one small olive jar a month, within the year you will have a set. After emptying your jar, soak it in hot soapy water to remove any labels and glue. If there is residue remaining from the glue after soaking, scrubbing with a steel wool pad usually removes it. For tough jobs, re-soak and re-scrub. If there is still any residue, try some nail polish remover. Rinse and dry thoroughly before adding herbs or spices.
If you are crafty, you may want to decorate your lids. Be sure to include a label either on the jar or inside with the contents, so that you are sure to know which is which later on. It's a good idea to add the date somewhere as well so that you know when to re-stock. Age, heat and sunlight are hard on herbs and spices and will cause them to lose color, strength and flavor.
Add to your collection as you go. Need another spice jar? No problem, get another bottle of olives. The bottles I buy cost around $1; you get the jar, and the olives. Making your own spice set from olive jars will keep your herbs and spices fresher and attractive for display.
Cheryl Bruedigam
Coffee, Tea &Soul
No comments:
Post a Comment