Clean out my spice cabinet with me
My spice cabinet has followed me with 3 moves and a bad habit of never throwing anything out.
Well today is the day! I threw out what was expired and set aside unopened and still in date ones for donations that I wasn’t gonna use. I had a bunch of spices from a set I got for Christmas a few years ago and they’re all way expired so I’m cleaning out the containers and putting them up in a buy nothing group since I don’t need the clutter (even tho I’m telling myself I can keep them and use them when I make my own spices. New flash to myself by the time I do that I’ll either thrift new ones or buy them 🤣)
But this is also your sign to declutter your spice cabinet or anything else you’ve been putting off for years and years!
After my big spice cabinet cleanout, one thing became super clear: the freshness of my spices makes ALL the difference in my cooking! I used to just buy whatever was on sale and cram it into the cabinet, but now I’m a bit more particular. It’s not just about decluttering the old; it's about making sure what you keep is genuinely vibrant and ready to elevate your meals. I’ve learned that a pinch of truly fresh THYME or a dash of fragrant NUTMEG can transform a dish, bringing out flavors you didn't even know were missing. On the flip side, using old, stale spices can leave your food tasting flat or musty, even if you follow the recipe perfectly. So, how do you know if your spices are still good? The sniff test is your best friend! If you open a jar of PEPPER or ALLSPICE and it barely has an aroma, it’s probably time to say goodbye, regardless of the expiration date. Fresh spices, even if pre-ground, should have a noticeable, robust scent. To keep your spices fresh for longer, proper storage is key. I used to just leave them in their original containers, but now I make sure they're in airtight jars, stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat (like above the stove!). Transferring them from those flimsy plastic bags or cardboard boxes into proper spice jars has made a huge difference. For items like BREAD CRUMBS or PANKO, which can also go stale, I've started using clear, airtight containers so I can easily see how much I have left and keep them crisp. When it comes to buying new spices, I've started seeking out places that have a high turnover or even buying whole spices and grinding them myself. For example, freshly ground PEPPER from whole peppercorns is a game-changer compared to pre-ground. You can even create your own blends, like a custom beer can chicken seasoning, using fresh ingredients. It takes a little more effort, but the flavor payoff is incredible. I’ve found that even everyday brands, when bought fresh, can deliver amazing results, whether it’s a simple SALT or a more exotic blend. Now, with my cabinet decluttered and a newfound appreciation for fresh flavors, I’m much more mindful. I try to use a 'first-in, first-out' system and label everything with the purchase date. Since I started doing this, my meals taste so much better, and I'm not wasting money on spices I never use. It's a small change that has had a huge impact on my cooking and my kitchen's organization!