Your food storage is to help you out on a rainy day, either to help you get through a natural disaster, food shortage, or just when you are down on your luck, but that does not mean you need to settle for tasteless food. Long term food storage supplies do not have to be bland and boring. Eating good tasting food and enjoying your meal promotes a healthier mindset that can help us during hardships. Herbs and spices can help you “spice” up your shelf stable dishes and can be beneficial for your health and well being.

Shelf Life

Ground spices and herbs leaves have a storage life of 2 to 3 years.

Dried whole spices and herbs have a slightly longer storage life of 3 to 5 years with proper storage.

Storage

By storing your spices in a cool, dark place, you will extend the life of the spices and herbs, maintaining their freshness for a longer period. In addition, preserving them in vacuum sealer bags or mason jars will help maintain their flavor and freshness longer.

It is not recommended to store your herbs and spices in a refrigerator due to the humid environment which could alter the flavor. However, as long as dried herbs and spices are stored in an air tight container, keeping larger quantities of herbs in a freezer is okay.

Featured in photo: Freezer Pop vacuum bags filled with spices.

Tip: To truly enjoy the full flavor of quality herbs and spices, use a mortar and pestle to grind whole herbs or spices prior to using them in your recipes.

Recommended Herbs and Spices to add to your food storage:

• Bay leaves – Good for added flavor for soups and stews
• Black Pepper – Peppercorn will last indefinitely
• Chili Powder
• Cinnamon
• Cayenne Red Pepper & Crushed Red Pepper
• Cumin – Beneficial for aiding digestion & diabetes prevention
• Garlic – An antioxidant & good for making garlic powder
• Ginger – Helps with nausea & stomach aches
• Onion – Several convenient forms: dried, flake, granules, powder, sliced
• Oregano
• Mustard Powder
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Turmeric 
• Salt – A vital storage item. Click here for more information regarding the importance of salt
  
  

Start preserving today! 

• Vacuum Sealer Bags
• Freezer Pops
• Oxygen Absorbers