How do you not run out of a spice you need?

14 years ago

I would like a spice rack that has labels on the rack itself so I know when I'm out of something and so I can find things quickly because they would be alphabetized.

I know I could make one with an Avery label but I'm wondering what you all do to avoid running out of a spice when you need it.

I saw such a spice rack online someplace but can't find it now.

Of course one problem is that spices need to be in a dark cool place.

Thanks

Ginny

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

annie1992
14 years ago
The only way I can keep track is by keeping a "list". I make a Penzey's run periodically and I keep a little magnetic pad of paper on my fridge. As I use a bottle that's getting close to empty, I add it to the list and then I can take it with me when I go shopping.

It works most of the time, the only problem is that I have to store the unopened one somewhere while I'm using up the last of the current one and I'm pretty short on storage space.

Spices I use a lot of, like cinnamon, I buy in bags and then refill my bottles.

But, to address your original question, I haven't found a spice rack that works for me, I put all my spices in a drawer in the kitchen. I put labels on top of the jars but they peeled off, so now I store the jars on their sides so I can see the labels. Works until the jars roll over...

Annie
Lars
14 years ago
When I am getting low on something, I put it on my shopping list, and if I buy it before I have run out, I throw out the old (if it has been around for a while) when I get the new.

I have my spices organized by use; and so I have Indian spices together, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Mexican, etc stored together. When they overlap, I put the spice in the category that gets the most use. Mexican spices take up the most space because I have lots of dried whole chilies that I use for making chili sauces.

Lars
Related Discussions
What do you do when you run out of space?
Q
Comments (32)
Now, view1ny, I'm not saying you should go hog wild or anything...but...I'm trying to do my part to bolster the flagging rose nurseries and economy, lol! Vettin, we got the little greenhouse at ACO Hardware but I also know it's available at Spray-n-grow's web site and other places. I don't know what you mean by a shady overhang. There is a standard overhang along our wall but it does get full sun (what little there is in winter here) all day. I do dig out under performers and pot them up to see if they'll improve and replace them with newer or stronger ones. I'm terrible at shovel pruning. I figure if they manage to live through the winter who am I to toss them out. I have a soft heart. But if something is still a dog after going in a pot, out it goes. BTW, I have written a couple papers on how I do all the rose pots and winterizing. If anyone is interested in either of them I can email them to you.
...See More
Full Circle: How do you store a LARGE collection of spices?
Q
Comments (9)
Looks great! I thought I posted to the original thread but I don't see me on there. I'm a Penzeys fan, too! I do mine a little differently. Spices/herbs taste best if used within at least 6 months or so, I try to use them within a year. I have 'stages' of storage. I have a VERY tiny kitchen so I can't do what you all do so that dictates my choice. I get the big bags of Penzeys & put them in a stand up box with cardboard 'file tabs' for categories like 'Baking' 'Herbs' 'Curries, Chilies' & so on. I have a lot. I put the big box in the bottom of my French Door freezer. I keep most-oft used bags of spices/herbs in the freezer shelf for easy access. I store the smaller jars in the door of my fridge. I know cold storage isn't optimal but it's better than going stale in the cupboard before I can use them all. I color code & name them with sticky tabs on the top of the label. Green is herbs, & another color for baking, & so on. I store by the color code so I can quickly find what I'm looking for. I keep a few used-daily spices/herbs in my kitchen cupboard.
...See More
How do you store a LARGE collection of spices?
Q
Comments (137)
Mine is 24" wide and floor to ceiling. It's built against one side of the fridge and it faces the range. I only need to take two steps to get at anything and I can see everything. It's not near windows so light isn't an issue. I cannot store things like spices in tightly organized spaces as I often have gunk on my hands when I reach for something (disorganized). These shelves hold all the spices -- large and small bottles -- including a row of Bodum glass storage jars that hold different kinds of salt, sugar, baking soda, tea, fancy sugars for guests etc. The Bodum canisters hold up really well and still look new after years on the shelf. I throw them into the dw periodically. Another benefit of the full wall treatment is that I can store my oils and vinegars here as well. I have a dowel to hang up towels and there's a space at the bottom where I have a clip for often used recipes. I need to add another clip there. I've also thought of adding a shelf above the dowels. It could be easily done but I'm waiting until I have someone in to add after market pull outs to two of base cabinets where I stupidly specified shelves.
...See More
How do you organize a spice cabinet?
Q
Comments (22)
Ricky, your spice cabinet looks beautifully organized and spacious, and your wife's design is lovely and organized. When I said a cabinet like yours, though, I meant just a box cabinet with shelves, and your picture was more descriptive than any words I could come up with. If one doesn't have a cabinet that has been customized to fit one's bottles, and which has more shoved into it than your carefully placed collection, the baskets can be very useful. They worked well for me in my stupid old kitchen. I too know the delights of made to purpose. My current kitchen has a six foot tall built in, pull out spice rack that is alphabetical to the shelf level but not within the shelves. Everything is easy to find, for the most part (just have to remember whether the chili pepper is filed under chili or pepper). I meant no disrespect to you, your wife, or your cabinet.
...See More
lindac
14 years ago
The only spices I run out of before they become out-dated are cinnamon, dry parsley and dry oregano. The rest I replenish about every 18 months.
I have no filing "system"...other than seeds on the left, dried herbs on the right and the other stuff in the middle. Oh yeah....extracts on the middle.

Related Stories

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Spice Up Your Spice Rack

By My Paradissi

The right spice rack adds a pinch of style and a dash of functionality to any cook's kitchen

Full Story

KITCHEN STORAGE How to Add a Pullout Spice Rack

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Keep spices neat and free of kitchen grime by giving them a well-organized home in your cabinets

Full Story

ECLECTIC STYLE 9 Ways to Spice Up Your Kitchen Cabinetry

By Jo Leevers

If a perfectly matched set of built-in units isn’t your cup of tea, try these ideas to add some variety

Full Story

MONTHLY HOME CHECKLISTS Your April Checklist for a Smooth-Running Home

By Laura Gaskill

Shake off the winter blues and spring into action to get your home in the spirit of the new season

Full Story

MONTHLY HOME CHECKLISTS February Checklist for a Smooth-Running Home

By Laura Gaskill

Romancing the home includes fresh air, fresh flowers and fresh supplies — and taking timeless sickness prevention tips to heart

Full Story

HOUSEKEEPING March Checklist for a Smooth-Running Home

By Laura Gaskill

Get a jump on spring by spiffing up surfaces, clearing clutter and getting your warm-weather clothes in shape

Full Story

KIDS’ SPACES Guest Picks: Fun Accessories to Spice Up Your Child's Space

By Danyelle Mathews

Bring a dose of humor or the unexpected to your kids' bedrooms and play areas

Full Story

HOUSEKEEPING April Checklist for a Smooth-Running Home

By Laura Gaskill

Refresh and organize your rooms and outdoor spaces to meet the new season with a spring in your step

Full Story

MONTHLY HOME CHECKLISTS August Checklist for a Smooth-Running Home

By Laura Gaskill

Sniff out mildew, ramp up home security and get down to other tasks before summer is over and out

Full Story

MONTHLY HOME CHECKLISTS February Checklist for a Smooth-Running Home

By Laura Gaskill

Spend snowy days sprucing up, cleaning out and making your bedroom romance-ready

Full Story

How do you not run out of a spice you need?

Comments (3)

annie1992

Lars

Related Discussions

lindac

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US