Bulk spice storage

Here are a few tips when it comes to saving money on spices buy buying and storing smart.

1. Keep in mind that spices often sit on supermarket shelves for months and months at a time. Then you take them home and often a large container sits on your shelf for years. Date your containers when they go on your shelf so you know how long they've been there.
2. Here are some minimum guidelines I found online to help you know how often to replace spices.
• Replace whole spices every 4 years
• Replace ground spices every 2-3 years
• Replace leafy herbs every 1-3 years
3. Consider what size of container to buy based on how often you use them, not at what it cost. It really doesn't matter if the XYZ spice cost less per ounce in bulk if you only use it once a year.
4. Keep in mind that spices can be purchased at bulk foods, co-ops and seed stores. Typically they are packaged in small bags instead of fancy containers which means you may save the cost of packaging.
5. Baby food jars make great spice jars. They typically come in 3 sizes and are made of glass that doesn't absorb flavors, which makes them perfect for this.
6. Store spices in airtight bottles in a cool dry space. Although convenient, avoid storing them above the stove.