Nothing completes the taste of a dish more than the addition of the right spice. Spices are no longer kept in dusty racks to be ignored. Modern cooking demands flavorful and vibrant spice combinations to give a meal that tongue-pleasing kick.

Spices need to be stored properly to maintain their desired flavor. Pay attention to that spice rack or you will cheat your taste buds. Here are some simple tips to keep your spices fresh and ready.Knowing how to properly store household spices is important. Never store your spices on the stove or near heat. Part of the flavor enhancement of spice comes from natural oils. These oils are given off prematurely when exposed to heat. You want them kept safe until needed.

Keep your spices bottled or contained in air-tight containers. Air will dry out some of those previously mentioned essential oils that give a spice most of its kick. Exposure to light can also change the color of spice and decrease its flavor.

Attempting to store spices in a refrigerator is not the correct solution either. The moist environment inside a refrigerator will cause mold to grow. Before this happens the moisture will draw out the flavor ruining the spice.

A cook’s eyes and nose are the best tools in the battle to protect flavor and check for proper storage. Visually inspect spices periodically. Caking or clumping is a sign that moisture has invaded the spice and it needs to be replaced. If the color seems to have faded, it most likely now stale. Likewise, if the spice does not smell strong and vibrant, then it will not taste vibrant. Crush a sample in your palm to inspect its smell and taste

Date your spices containers. All unused portions should be discarded after one year in storage.