Wasted Thyme? Simply A Crime

BACK TO BASICS | by JANNA LUFKIN

RECENTLY A NEIGHBOR ASKED MY OPINION on how to best organize her spices. It’s a question I get quite often, so one afternoon over lunch with some very savvy ladies, I decided to bring up the subject.

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Muy caliente!

What a hot button!

Who knew spice organization and storage was such a big deal? Well, I did, for one. Here’s why: It seems as if spice companies and grocery stores are deeply involved in some sort of covert spice conspiracy.

Ever notice that the one spice you need for a special recipe seems to be in hiding from the company that most of your other spices came from? If you simply must have it, you’re pressured to purchase it from another spice supplier, who packages its products in a differently shaped bottle, jar or can. This secret plot often forces us to toss the new herbs container (and sometimes some of its contents!) simply because it doesn’t fit into an often-constrained spice-storage system. Seems criminal to me.

However, a well-thought-out system, combined with a bit of detective work, will solve this riddle.

Here are a few inside tips:

• Seek grocers that stock bulk spices.
• Hunt down a drawer, pantry shelf or countertop tray to corral your spices.
• Purchase one style of container and use throughout your system. I prefer clear glass bottles.
• Stick with your system and add containers as needed.
• Label jars with small round stickers from an office supply store or use a P-touch labeler.
• Store spices alphabetically.
• For optimum herb freshness, write the purchase date on a sticker and place it on the bottom of the jar.

Efficient spice storage? It’s elementary, my dear!