Spices are the essence of any meal. Without them, dishes would turn out bland and uninteresting. With the right combination of spices, your meal will be flavorful and memorable. Spices come in many varieties and can be purchased in several ways from single cinnamon sticks to large bags of paprika. Buying bulk spices certainly has many advantages. So how do you know when to buy spices in bulk for your kitchen?
The most obvious reason to purchase spices in bulk is to save money. Buying large quantities can often mean a huge price difference. If there are certain spices that you use frequently it certainly makes sense to buy them in bulk. Most people often use such spices as garlic powder, pepper, salt and cinnamon. The savings from purchasing these particular spices in larger quantities can mean significant savings. If you are planning to cook for a large crowd or you are a restaurant owner or a caterer, buying your most used spices in bulk is a smart choice
Even if you don’t use your spices frequently, you can still buy them in bulk. Many spices store well and stay fresh a long time when stored properly. Many spices can be stored in a dark cool pantry or even your freezer for several month or even years. The standard guideline for storage of spices is 4 years for whole spices and 2 years for ground. A good rule of thumb is to buy a one-year supply at the most at any given time for ground spices and a two-year supply for whole. The reason spices should be discarded after these recommended times is that the flavor components dissipate and will result in a loss of flavor. The best way to determine if a spice has lost its potency is to smell it. If it is still fragrant, it is fine to use, if it lacking a strong scent, it is time to get rid of it.
In order to maintain your bulk spices, you need to store them properly. Good storage methods will preserve the freshness and flavor of spices. Spices cannot be stored in heat, light or where they come in contact with air or moisture. These all result in loss of flavor and color. Spice racks should be placed out of direct sunlight. The best storage area for spices is a pantry, cabinet or drawer.
Many people prefer to freeze or refrigerate their spices to preserve them. Many spices such as chili peppers will maintain their color and freshness much longer in cool storage. Spices are not damaged by the cold, except for vanilla beans and vanilla extract. If you choose to use cold storage, make sure to keep a small quantity of your spices on hand for immediate use and put the rest in the refrigerator or freezer. That way you will always have some readily available when you need them.
When choosing a company from which to purchase your bulk spices, there are some things you should consider. The turn over rate of the spices is essential. To ensure the freshness of what you are purchasing, ask how often older spices are replaced with new. The quality of spices is also important. Look for companies selling high quality items to ensure you are getting the most for your money. If you are ordering your spices from the Internet or from a catalog, consider how the spices are packages and how they are shipped. Ordering in winter months can save your spices from being damaged by the summer heat.
No matter if you are a home cook or a restaurant chef, spices are essential to every meal you prepare. Choosing the right spices can make all the difference between success and failure in the cuisine you present. Using bulk spices can be help ease your budget while still making your cooking experience a delight for your taste buds. If you consider the price, storage requirements and purveyor from which you purchase, it can be an easy task to choose the spices that would best be purchased in bulk for your kitchen.
