Spring Clean Your Spice Cabinet Like a Pro

One area that often gets overlooked during spring cleaning is the spice cabinet. It's an easy spot to forget, but it's due for a thorough cleaning and organization to keep your kitchen running smoothly.

Spices do indeed expire, though not in the same way perishable foods like milk or meat do. While they won't make you sick, old spices lose their potency, which can affect the flavor of your dishes. If your meals have started to taste flat despite following the recipe, expired spices might be the culprit.

Ground spices, known for their convenience, typically last from six months to a year, while whole spices maintain their flavor for up to five years. Exposure to oxygen causes the oils in ground spices to dry up, resulting in a duller color and weaker taste.

Can you still cook with old spices? Technically yes, but your food will lack the vibrant flavor you're aiming for. It's worth investing in fresh spices to enhance your dishes. So now's the time to assess your spice collection and decide what to keep and what to toss.

Follow this simple, step-by-step guide to get your spice cabinet organized and tidy:

1. Clear it all out

Take everything out of your spice cabinet and spread it out on a counter or table. Group similar spices together so you can quickly assess what you have, and easily decide what to keep or toss. If there's a spice blend that no longer sparks joy or is unlikely to be used, now’s the time to let it go.

2. Clean the shelves

Grab a rag and a gentle cleaner to wipe down the shelves and start fresh. Don’t forget to clean any organizers, racks, or drawers you may be using for storage as well.

3. Check the expiration dates

Look for any jars with visible expiration dates and toss the expired ones. It's time to refresh your spice collection with ingredients that will actually enhance the flavor of your meals, so don't be afraid to part with the old ones.

4. Trust your senses

For jars without expiration dates, your senses will be the best indicator. Start by examining the color—if your oregano is more brown than green and looks dull, it's time to let it go.

Next, open the jar and give it a sniff. If the scent is faint or nonexistent, sprinkle a little on your palm and rub it to release the aroma. If it still lacks fragrance, it's time to say goodbye.

5. Get Organized

Now that you've sorted through what to keep, return the jars to your cabinet in a way that suits your cooking style. Make sure the lids are tightly sealed, group duplicates together, and position the most-used spices toward the front for easy access.

6. Restock and Label

When replenishing your spice collection, purchase only the spices you use frequently and buy in quantities you can consume within six months to a year. For easy tracking, place a piece of masking or painter’s tape on the bottom of new jars and note the purchase month and year. This simple step will make next year’s spring cleaning a breeze.