Whether a collection of herbs and spices has been amassed from the home own garden, or staple pantry ingredients are being purchased in bulk, a method is needed to store these items to ensure they have a long shelf life. A variety of jars, bottles and containers can be put into service depending upon specific needs.
“But those herbs which perfume the air most delightfully, not passed by all the rest, but, being trodden upon and crushed, are three; that is, burnet, wild-thyme and watermints. Therefore, you are to set whole alleys of them to have the pleasure when you walk or tread.”
-Francis Bacon, Essays, Civil and Moral, 1601
Types of Storage Containers
- - opaque glass
- - clear glass
- - glass canning jars
- - metal
- - recycled bottles
- - ceramic
- - plastic
- - wood
Opaque Glass
The best containers for storing herbs and spices are brown, cobalt or other dark colored glass jars with screw on lids. Since the contents of these jars can't be seen, make sure to add a label to the front of the container.
The labels can be hand made or printed out on a typewriter or computer. A variety of blank labels with self-adhesive backing can be found at any business supply or stationery store. On the labels, be sure to list the common name and Latin name of the herb, the date it was collected or harvested, and the location where it was collected (i.e. from the garden, a friend's garden, purchased at a farmer’s market or purchased from a grocery store).
Clear Glass
Clear glass containers, with screw on lids, are perfect for storing a variety of their herbs and spices. The clear containers allow the contents stored in each container to be easily seen, and they become an interesting decorative element in the kitchen. Since this type of container is not light proof they should be stored in a dark area away from any heat sources. Do not store herbs and spices near the stove, oven, toaster or on top of the refrigerator, as the heat generated from these sources will cause them to go stale rather quickly.
If you see signs of condensation on the inside of your container it means that the herbs have not been sufficiently dried. If caught at an early stage, place these herbs onto a baking tray and place them in the oven set on its lowest setting for a few minutes, or until the herbs feel crisp but not burnt. If not caught in time, the herbs will begin to go moldy and must be thrown out, and the container thoroughly washed and dried out to remove any traces of the mold and moisture.
Canning Jars
Another excellent container to use for storing larger amounts of herbs are pint size and quart size glass canning jars. Used canning jars can sometimes be found at local thrift stores. New seals and rings for the canning jars can be found at many grocery stores.
Metal Tins
Small metal tins may also be used to store herbs and spices. Make sure to label the tins as the contents can't be seen once the lids are closed. Metal tins can impart a metallic scent or taste to dried herb leaves, but they work okay for storing seeds and roots.
Ceramic Containers
Glazed ceramic containers can also be used for storing herbs and spices. Unglazed ceramic containers will cause the volatile essential oils present in the herbs to evaporate in a very short time.
Plastic Containers
The use of plastic containers is not recommended for the long term storage of dried materials as the herbs seem to absorb some of the odor of the plastic making them rather unpleasant to use. Plastic containers or resealable plastic bags can be used for the short term storage of fresh herbs in the refrigerator or freezer.
Wood Containers
Wood containers are not recommended for the storage of your herbs and spices. Wood is a permeable container and since it is not airtight it will quickly cause the materials to dry out and become stale. Wood containers also have a tendency to absorb the odor of any aromatic substances that are placed within them.
Resources
Online sources for a variety of bottles and containers include SKS Bottle, Specialty Bottle and Burch Bottle.
See the article How to Dry Fresh Herbs for a variety of methods for drying fresh herbs. The article Where to Buy Fresh Herbs discusses a variety of options for purchasing herbs. How to Freeze Herbs Using Ice Cube Trays shows a method that can be used for the long-term storage of fresh herbs.
Lynn Smythe - ABOUT THE WRITER Born and raised in Rochester, New York, freelance writer Lynn Smythe obtained her bachelor's degree in Geology from ...
