Today's Tip ~ Friday, May 6, 2011 (name, girls, neighbors, city)

[ylisa7]

Thanks Pam.

Great tip. I am in the process of doing some food storage and this will be very helpful. Wonder how long I can get if I use the food saver


Hey...BTW Does anyone know how much you should fill a refrigerator and freezer for optimum efficiency?

[LilyLady]

Great tips, Pam (as usual). I think I need to move my spices. They're in a cabinet right over the stove. Never gave it a thought before now. Time to re-organize, I think.

[PJSaturn]

Originally Posted by CoastalMaine

Hi Pammy,

Great tips. Here's what I do to mine since I live in a highly humid area... after I open and use the spices I seldom use, I seal with plastic wrap like Saran or such before putting the top on, and then I put them in the door of the freezer. I also DATE the bottom of the container as I can never remember how long I've had them!!! lol

Thanks, Coastal! Putting the purchase date on the containers was one of the hints I found when I was researching this last night. I didn't include it because my post was getting too long. But yes, folks, write down the purchase date, because most of your spices are probably a lot older than you think!

[PJSaturn]

Originally Posted by tijlover

Thanks for the tip, Pam, as I love to cook and bake, and I've got a drawer full of spices, God only knows how old some of them are!

I'm always more reluctant to throw out the more expensive spices.

No need to throw 'em out! Just use more if the flavor has faded. Spices and herbs are so darned expensive.

[JustJoy]

Great info, Pam. I'd wondered how long they stay fresh and it's nice to know how to store those that aren't used very often. Thanks

[taigagirl]

When I am out at my parents' on Sunday..I'm going to have to check that spice cabinet. I know some of them are at least 25 years oldI wonder what kind of life form they've taken on. Thanks, Pam..

[Cunucu Beach]

I have grown basil and oregano before. Had a great crop of both last year!!

I also buy in bulk from herbalcom.com. They have a great selection and are MUCH cheaper online in bulk than they are in the store. You can always store them in airtight containers and freeze what you don't want to leave out on the shelf. If you don't want to buy a whole pound of something, try and find someone to go halfies with you and split the order.

[Gue]

I love drying my fresh herbs & using them throughout the winter.

Brings back the smells of summer!

[Sweetie Pie]

Good tips, Pammers! I grow a few of mine also. Rosemary makes a wonderful landscaping plant.

[GloryB]

I just look for weevils.