We use whole spice cumin, coriander, and fenugreek in our cooking. Because the small branded bottles from a British supermarket work out as expensive for their size, we buy bags from an Indian supermarket in Brick Lane. They are only half used by this time of year and we usually end up throwing items away in the annual pantry clear-out.

My question is this: if we immediately put half of the spices in the freezer after purchase, well wrapped, do you think they would stay fresh?

My brother has always stored his spices in sealed plastic tubs in the freezer (stores his instant coffee the same way)

Steve

I always buy large bags of spices and keep the surplus in my freezer, where it lasts indefinitely. I do the same with all the nuts and seeds, which last much longer in a freezer than in a cupboard. They have fat in them, which can go 'rancid' after prolonged storage, especially in warm climates.

I hadn't known that you could freeze whole spices: that could help with the big bags of whole spices I buy in the UK and bring back here to France.

Could you freeze sesame seeds?

Phil

Yes, I always freeze sesame seeds. They have oil and if you keep them in a cupboard, they can go 'rancid' after a few months.

I blitz fresh coriander leaves in a blender then put them into an icecube tray and freeze them. Label them with both weight and volume per ice cube as recipes can ask for either. I buy fresh curry leaves too, take them off the stem and freeze them in a plastic tub.

Mamta's Fresh Green Coriander Chutney freezes well in ice cubes.

Coconut milk / cream .................ditto.................

Fresh chopped ginger .................ditto.................

Fresh chopped garlic..................ditto.................

Any spice that you have in excess quantities then freeze in reusable quantities.

I hope you find this useful.

Regards,

Martin

Thanks Martin

With the exception of ginger and garlic, which I prefer fresh, I have been doing all the things you mention for years :-). Freezer is an amazing thing.

Thanks a lot! that's really helpful!

Phil