Lifestyle Desk – While the rainy season brings relief from the heat, it also creates many challenges for the spices kept in the kitchen. These days, the level of humidity in the air increases significantly, which has a direct impact on the quality of spices. Turmeric, red chilli, coriander, garam masala, cumin and other spices, if not stored properly, can get damp, start sticking to each other and gradually lose their aroma and taste. Not only this, due to excess moisture the risk of mold and small insects in the spices also increases.
In such a situation, taking care of spices during monsoon becomes more important than during normal days. Spices are the lifeblood of any Indian kitchen. Due to these, food gets taste, color and aroma. But if the spices get spoiled, not only the taste of the food deteriorates, but their quality also gets affected. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the way to store spices during the rainy season. Let us know the ways to store spices properly.
keep in airtight container
Spices should always be kept in an airtight container. Glass or steel containers are considered better than plastic containers because there is less chance of moisture entering them. Every time you take out spices, ensure that the spoon is completely dry. Using a wet spoon causes moisture to reach inside the container, due to which the spices start spoiling quickly.
Do not keep spice boxes near the gas stove.
Many people keep spice boxes very near the gas stove, but this habit can also prove harmful. The steam and heat released while cooking reaches the spices and increases the moisture in them. Therefore, it is always better to store spices in a cool, dry and dark place.
Grind and use as per requirement
If you use whole spices like cumin, coriander, black pepper or cloves, they can be stored for a longer time than ground spices. By grinding them and using them as per requirement, their taste and aroma also remains for a long time. It is also important to regularly check the spices during monsoon.
keep checking the spices
If any spice starts smelling bad, changes color, mold appears or small insects are seen, then it should be separated immediately. Use of such spices can be harmful for health.
do not refrigerate
Some people think of keeping spices in the refrigerator to protect them from moisture, but repeatedly taking them out and putting them back in can cause condensation inside the container due to changes in temperature, which can further increase the moisture. Therefore, keep some special spices in the refrigerator only when needed and store common spices in a dry place only.
By taking a little care, you can maintain the freshness, aroma and taste of spices throughout the monsoon season. Properly stored spices will not only enhance the taste of your food but will also remain safe for a long time. Therefore, in this rainy season, do not forget to take care of the most important thing in your kitchen i.e. spices.
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