When was the last time you cleaned out your kitchen pantry? Come on, fess up… this is a safe space that’s totally free from judgement! If you’ve got jars full of lord knows what and cans and spices that look even more dated than stone washed denim, then it’s time to take action. In the same way we spring clean our wardrobes (mostly to make room for the new), it’s just as important to pay the same attention to our pantry. Here are a few tips to help get you started…
Shelf life: 6 – 8 months
Storage tip: always ensure herbs are stored in high quality bpa free plastic containers or glass jars, as herbs and spices contain volatile oils (which is what makes them so concentrated in flavour) which will leach out through cellophane, clip wrap or thin plastic. The longer they are in the pantry, the less flavour intensity they will have, so its best to store them well or buy herbs in smaller quantities. Store out of direct sunlight if in a spice rack.
Waste not: got a sore tooth? Chew on a clove for natural pain relief before you make it to the dentist!
Shelf life: 6 months
Storage tip: Fats and oils become rancid when exposed to light, heat and oxygen; so store oils in dark amber bottles, out of sunlight, in a cool dry place. Smell oils for bitterness, as this is an indicator for rancidity.
Beauty in a bottle: massage with coconut oil as a body moisturiser before showering to give your skin lustrous moisture all
Shelf life: 4-6 months
Storage tip: store flour in glass jars to minimize expose to air. The nutirents in grains such as b vitamins and vitamin e depreciate overtime so its best to purchase grains in smaller amounts more often.
Beauty tip: make your morning porridge oats into a relaxing bedtime bath! Simply place 1 cup of oats into a cheesecloth and tie securely. Place in bath to allow the calming and skin rejuvenating properties of oats do their magic.
Shelf life: 3 months
Storage tip: nuts and seeds contain fatty acids that oxidise overtime and make nuts and seeds bitter tasting. To maximise shelf life store nuts and seeds in the freezer to optimize nutrient preservation.
Dried fruits are also prone to mould growth, so storing them in the refridgerator is best.
Beauty tip: eat 3 brazil nuts per day for your daily dose of selenium, a powerful antioxidant and anti aging mineral!