Can I / should I keep spices & dried herbs in the fridge?
Common wisdom regarding spice storage (whether whole or ground) seems to tend towards cool, dark, dry places. However, I'm somewhat limited on kitchen cupboard space, and obviously the various spice rack options available don't do a great job on the "dark" front, and in my kitchen not on the "cool" front either.
Is it OK (both taste-wise and food safety-wise) for me to keep my spices in the fridge? I typically keep them either in the small glass jar I buy them in, or (when bought in a packet) in resealable tupperware-style containers, all in one of the crisper drawers (mainly because I don't typically fill both).
Whatever the answer, does it apply to dried herbs also?
To clarify: my kitchen doesn't get any natural light (sadly).
Best Answer
Most fresh herbs do quite well in the fridge, so long as they're prepared appropriately.
I would not put dried herbs and spices into the fridge, especially if they're in a hard-sided container. (unless maybe if you were in a really arid area)
There problem is that if you're in a warm, humid environment, you'll be trapping a little bit of moist air in there each time you use some ... which will condense in the fridge, which could result in rot for the herbs ... and I'm not sure what for the spices.
If you really wanted to pack them in the fridge, I would put them in a bag (vacuum bagged, if you can), and leave them there, with another container outside the fridge with enough for a month or two. In this way there's less moisture trapped in there, and you're not opening it frequently.
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Quick Answer about "Can I / should I keep spices & dried herbs in the fridge?"
Dried herbs and spices do best with: Cool, dark cupboard (not the fridge). Minimal exposure to light, moisture (humidity), and air.Should dried herbs be refrigerated?
Seal the jar with the lid and store in the refrigerator. Don't forget to change the water every day. This process will help the herbs retain moisture in the dry environment.Should dried spices be refrigerated?
It is not recommended to keep spices in a refrigerator. A refrigerator has a higher level of humidity, which can alter the taste and freshness of your spices. With proper storage, ground spices can retain their freshness for at least one year.How should dried herbs and spices be stored?
Where to store Spices? - Spices and herbs should be kept in airtight containers in dark, cool places. Glass jars with tight fitting lids are perfect if you plan to store your spices in a cupboard. However, if the layout of your home doesn't allow for this use tins to ensure that sunlight can't reach the spices.Which spices should be refrigerated?
Red-colored spices (including red pepper, paprika and chili powder) should always be stored in the fridge, especially in hot and humid climates. Seeds like poppy and sesame should also be stored in the fridge to prevent the oils from going rancid.Beginner's guide to BUYING, STORING \u0026 ORGANIZING SPICES
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Answer 2
Generally it is best practice to store herbs in a cool, dry place. Fresh herbs can be stored in the fridge for a short time, however they will normally begin to wilt over the course of 3-4 days. Dry herbs, if kept in the fridge, may begin to lose some flavour after an extended period of time, and, if not sealed properly, may begin to take on flavours of other things kept in the fridge, and vice versa. Light is normally not a large factor in the storage of dried herbs, however some of the compounds which produce the flavours in spices can be broken down by strong light over extended periods of time. I would recommend you purchase a spice rack to store your dried spices and keep it out of direct sunlight for best results. The light produced by standard light bulbs is usually not strong enough to break down the compounds in spices unless left for an extended period of time. Sunlight is your main worry here, and again a short time in direct sunlight will not harm your herbs and spices. Fresh herbs I would recommend storing in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator and using within a few days.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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