Jars aren't the only way to package spices.
Spice racks are a tool to organize spices, but not everyone has the budget or space for a spice rack. That's okay; a little creativity and ingenuity helps you organize your own spices. Once you have them organized, they will be at your fingertips to use on a regular basis and add a little more flavor to your menu. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Airtight Bags
Save space in your cabinets by placing your spices in plastic bags that have an airtight seal. The airtight seal keeps the spices fresh. The bags can be labeled using masking tape with the spice written on it. Include the date the spice was purchased on the tape, as well, so you can determine how fresh the spice is in the bag. These bags can be placed in a drawer or cabinet and packed tightly together, taking up less spice than bottles or jars.
Baby Food Jars
If you have an infant or know someone who has one, ask for their used baby food jars, as they can store spice blends. Put the spices in the jars and label them with the name of the blend and date. These jars can be stored in a cabinet or on a counter.
Plastic Storage Containers
Plastic storage containers that have an airtight seal can be used to store your spice blends and keep them fresh. If you create a blend to use as a rub on steak, poultry or seafood, place the unused rub in the plastic container and label it with the name of the blend and the date it was created. Place the container in a cabinet and use the spice again when needed.
Used Beer Bottles
Clean out a used beer bottle and use it as a container to hold your spice blends for meat and vegetables. The lid of the bottle should be attached securely and holes punched in the top of the lid, to use the bottle as a spice blend shaker. Use a variety of different types of beer or soda bottles for shakers and display them on the table as decorative items while storing spices.
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