There are a few possible reasons why your ground spices harden over time and become unusable. The reason is that moisture has gotten in the container and caused the spices to harden.
The question is, how? What are you doing to cause this and how can you avoid it?
Spices should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place to prevent them from going bad or getting hard. Avoid storing them in areas with high humidity or near sources of heat, such as the stove or oven. Keep the spices in their original containers or in airtight containers to protect them from moisture and light.
It is also a good idea to label the container with the date of purchase or opening so you know how long the spices have been stored.
Also remember rotate your spices, using the oldest ones first so they don’t expire.
Let’s further discuss how to keep your spices from getting hard and unusable so that they don’t go to waste.
Considerations to keep your spices fresh and dry
If your spices solidify in the container and turn into hard rocks, do the following:
Avoid steam: Don’t shake spices over a boiling pot as the steam and humid air in the vicinity will make its way into the container and help to dry the spices.
Use a dry spoon: If you dip a spoon into a spice container, make sure it’s completely dry. Otherwise you are introducing moisture into the spice container which can help to dry it out.
Keep air out: Store spices in an air tight container. If you use one of those circular spice wheel storage racks with the glass bottles with flip top plastic lids, they will allow air in and it will dry the spices over time. Use an airtight glass container or resealable plastic bag that keeps the air out.
Keep light out: Hardcore spice experts will keep the air and light out and will store spices in a UV glass jar with tightly closed lid. Over time, exposure to light can reduce spice potency and negatively affect the spice‘s molecular structure.
What spices are particularly susceptible to moisture?
Spices that are particularly susceptible to moisture include:
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Turmeric
- Mustard
- Celery seed
- Fennel seed
- Anise seed
- Caraway seed
- Dill seed
- Poppy seed
These spices can become clumpy or lose their flavor if exposed to moisture. It is especially important to store them in airtight containers in a cool, dry place to preserve their freshness.