Symptoms of broken spices include discoloration, decreased flavor, moisture pellets, mold or insects, and passing through the date of use. Fresh spices have a transparent and strong smell, but they lose these features. Moisture can also cause hard masses or fungal growth in spices. To prevent breakdown, keep the spices in closed containers, away from light and moisture and buy them in a small amount.
Symptoms of a broken spice
Change the color of the spices
One of the main symptoms of spices is to change their color. Fresh spices have bright and natural colors that indicate their high quality. , For example, Turmeric Freshly is golden yellow, but if it breaks down, it may be opaque or dark. Red pepper It also has a transparent, red, fresh color, but over time it becomes brown. Color change is usually caused by exposure to air, light or moisture, and is a sign of decreased quality.
Decrease or disappear flavor
One of the most important features of fresh spices is their strong flavor. If you find that the spice has less smell or its taste is very weak, the date of use is likely to have lost its quality or quality. This problem is especially common in milled spices such as cinnamon, cumin and pepper. Spices that have lost their taste and smell have no effect on the taste of food and should be replaced with fresh spices.
Shooting or moisture
The spices should always remain dry and powdered, but if they are exposed to moisture, they may find a bullet. This problem is usually caused by the storage of spices in humid environments such as near the sink or inside the cabinets. The use of wet spoon when removing spices can also cause moisture and cause hard masses. The presence of moisture in the spices not only reduces their quality, but it may also provide a suitable environment for the growth of fungi and molds.
Mildew or insects
Sometimes you may see black, white or green spots that indicate mold growth. Molds usually grow in spices due to excessive moisture, inadequate maintenance and time and can be harmful to health. In addition to mold, the presence of small insects such as small beetles or creams in the spice is also a sign of corruption. These insects usually grow in hot and humid environments, indicating that the spice is no longer used and should be discarded.
The expiry date of the spices
Unlike fresh foods, spices do not rot, but their quality decreases over time. In general, unnecessary spices such as pepper or cinnamon wood can be used for up to 5 years, but the spices such as turmeric or cumin last are between 1 and 2 years. Dry vegetables are also usually maintained for 3 to 5 years. To ensure the freshness of the spices, it is best to pay attention to their production date and avoid keeping old and low -quality spices.
Keep the spices in appropriate containers
Choosing the right container for preserving spices plays an important role in maintaining their quality. The best option for storing spices is dark or metal glass containers with a tight door that prevent air and moisture from penetrating. Plastic containers are not a good option due to the absorption properties of the odor and moisture. The use of door containers also keeps the flavor of the spices for a longer time. If you keep the spices in inappropriate containers, they may quickly lose their flavor and reduce their quality.
Avoid direct light and heat
Sunlight and heat can quickly reduce the quality of the spices. Exposure to direct light will eliminate their flavor and change their color. Heat can also accelerate the corruption of the spices, so it is best to keep them away from the stove, oven and other heating stoves. The best place to store spices in closed cabinets is cool drawer and dry and dark environments to increase their shelf life.
Prevent moisture penetration
Moisture is one of the main causes of spices corruption and can cause adhesion, molding and reduced their quality. When using spices, be sure to use a clean spoon and never sprinkle with a damp spoon. The maintenance of spices in environments such as the stove or inside the refrigerator that has high moisture reduces their shelf life. To prevent moisture from penetrating, it is best to keep the spices in the door containers and in a cool dry place.
Buy to a small and fresh amount
One way to prevent the spices from deteriorating is to buy them in a small amount and tailored to the consumption needs. Many people buy spices in high volume because of reasonable prices but decrease their quality over time. It is best to make the spices in small packaging and from reputable stores to make sure they are fresh. Buying a small amount of spices will always have fresh and high quality spices available and use their true flavor in foods.
Grinding spices at the time of use
Complete spices such as pepper, coriander seeds and cinnamon wood have more durability than milled spices. These spices retain their flavor for a longer period of time when kept right. It is best to grind them when needed to make the most of their taste and aroma. Using manual or electric mills at home will help you always have fresh spices and enjoy their true taste and aroma in your food.
More knowledge
Iranian spices
Iranian spices Includes turmeric, saffron, cardamom, cumin, black pepper, garlic powder and coriander seeds, which is an important role in Traditional Iranian cooking They have. In addition to flavoring, these spices have medicinal properties such as gastrointestinal improvement, strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation. Saffron as the most expensive spice, perfume and color gives foods to the foods, and cumin and cardamom have a special place in Iranian kitchens because of their healing properties.
The appropriate spices of each house
The appropriate spices of each house Includes turmeric, saffron, cinnamon, black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, red pepper, cardamom, dried mint and ginger, all play an important role in the taste and health of foods. These spices, in addition to the special flavor, have antibacterial properties, enhance the immune system and gastrointestinal enhancers. Keeping them in the kitchen helps to make the foods better and make cooking more enjoyable.
Indian spice
Indian spice An integral part of the country is cooking, and various types such as cloves, spicy peppers, anchor, mango powder and mustard are used in Indian cuisine. These spices, in addition to their strong flavor, also have medicinal properties and are used in the preparation of herbal remedies and care products. Some, such as grape powder and Alcannet, are specific to India and are less commonly used in other countries. The high variety of Indian spices has made the country a unique flavor.
Italian spice
Italian spice A combination of several aromatic herbs such as Basil, Oregono, Rosemary, Thyme and Marjoram which is in Italian cooking To flavor to foods like PastaPizza and special sauces are used. This spice, with a mild aroma and balanced taste, deepen the Mediterranean food and plays an important role in preserving the authenticity of Italian flavors.
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