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Let’s talk about spices to have in your pantry. A well-stocked spice pantry is essential for home-cooked meals. Especially in today’s crazy market, buying in bulk lowers the cost of your spices. With grocery prices on the rise, any way to save on the food budget is helpful.
Let's Talk Spices You Use
What spices do you use most often? Are you a big baker? Or are you a big griller?
Do you use different spices during different times of the year?
Stocking something you don’t use is useless and frankly, a waste of money. So, take a hard look at what you and your family use. Keep in mind each house is going to stock different spices and different amounts of each spice. Basically, you want to keep a stock only of what you use.
First, make a list of the spices you need now.
Second, make a list of the spices you use the most often and need to stock for your house.
Remember the goal is to stock what you use and not waste money on things you don’t need or use!
Let's Talk All Things Spices
There are 20 spices that I keep on hand in bulk. I wrote a chapter in Homestead Anywhere on stocking a well-stocked pantry. Here, I talk about spices as part of a well-stocked pantry. You can get the book here.
Here is a list of spices I keep in bulk. There are items I cook with on a regular basis. I have found it easier to make home made meals when I have the spices I need on hand.
- Basil
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Chili powder
- Cinnamon
- Coriander
- Dill weed
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Mustard (ground)
- Nutmeg
- Onion
- Oregano
- Paprika
- Pink Himalayan salt
- Red chili flakes
- Thyme
- Cloves
- Cumin
- Garlic & herb
My spice drawer has 48 jars, but I only keep 20 in larger quantities for back stock. Here is a video that explains a little more about this.
I keep 20 spices in larger quantities because that is what my household needs. Remember, keep in mind the needs of your household. Obviously, each household is different.
How Much Spice Do I Buy?
Let’s first look at how much do you use? Are you using cinnamon every morning when you make breakfast or just during baking season?
Does your family have Taco Tuesday every week where you need taco seasoning like clockwork? In that case you might want to keep extra taco seasoning on hand.
Most families have a few recipes that are their “go-to recipes”. What is that for you and what do you use in it? Is it spaghetti or meatloaf? Do you make your own dressings and condiments? What goes in those recipes?
At my house I make all my own spice blends. I make them from single ingredients because we have allergies and I can avoid all the fillers and weird ingredients when I make my own.
Spices are normally at their peak freshness within the first two to three years of purchasing. This is a general rule except for Himalayan salt; that lasts forever. It may be better to buy smaller amounts until you get the feel for how much you really use in your meal prep and baking.
Shopping For Spices
Thirdly, let’s shop!
Now that you have your list, let’s talk about where to shop. Target has a line of organic seasonings called “Organic Good and Gather”. I checked prices before writing this blog and the price today is the same as it was in August, surprisingly.
Amazon also has a great selection. You can check out my store for some great options. In this case, I prefer to purchase my spices from Amazon. Most items I buy in the 1lb bags which equals about a quart of spices. I like using Amazon because it is easy to compare the price per ounce and find the best deal. I am able to find certified organic non-GMO single ingredient item spices with no fillers. In addition to the great selection, the delivery options simplify life.
Costco is great place to buy larger quantities. Another great place to check is your local bulk foods section at the market. Sometimes it is about buying a pound of the seasoning instead of 5oz. It goes back to the concept of buy one for today and two for tomorrow as we have previously talked about in the Grocery Budget.
What do you need at your house?
Storing Spices For Long Term
At this point you have your spices. Your kitchen is replenished. Now what do you do with your spices for long term storage? Here is where you have options. Most items I buy in the 1lb bags which equals about a quart of spices which typically, I put into mason jars. You can even vacuum seal for a longer shelf life. However you decide to store your bulk ingredients, the on-hand stock will simplify life when you start to run low.
Gluten-Free Spice Blends
Again, I make my own spice blends because we have allergies at my house. Take a moment and look at a spice blend label. I was shocked to see sugar in a taco seasoning blend. Quite a few seasonings have gluten added. When you make it with whole organic single ingredient items you are not getting additives and gluten just spices. I make my spice blends as I need them.
Taco or Mexican Blend Seasoning
- 2T. Garlic powder or a garlic/herb seasoning
- 2 T. Cumin
- 2 T. Chili powder
- 1 tsp. Oregano
Your Action Plan
What spices are you stocking this week?
How much are you buying?
Where are you buying?
Are you trying a homemade blend? If so, what are you making?
Finally, enjoy having the spices you need when you need them. No more running to the store last minute to grab whatever because you out and dinner needs it! That is the goal. A well-stocked pantry gives you peace of mind knowing you have it when you need it.
Enjoy and Happy Seasoning!
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