Spices next to the Dishwasher?

[SusanL]

After reading about the ginger thread, I just realized I keep my spices in the lazy susan, which is next to to dishwasher. Will the heat from the dishwasher affect my spices? We moved here only two years ago and I never thought about the heat! I always try to update/replace my spices. Eegads, do I need to date them, too? Am I becoming anal over nothing? I hate when this happens!!!!

[kwormann]

Maybe Im wrong, (somebody correct me if I am), but I would be somewhat concerned about the steam and humidity....

Kim http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[SandyM]

My spices are in the lazy susan next to the oven. No other way to store them in my ergonomically incorrect kitchen. I've just been using them in mass quantities so they're not around for long before I have to reorder from good old Penzeys!

[Beth]

Susan, if your lazy susan is inside a cabinet, it may not be the ideal place, but it probably isn't getting that much heat from your dishwasher. Appliances are being better insulated all the time. You want your spices to be stored away from bright light, heat and humidity to help them stay fresher longer. Good air-tight jars or containers as well as being inside a cabinet or pantry will do a lot to help.

Stick your hand next to your spices when your dishwasher is nearing the end of its cycle. That will give you an idea of how much heat or humidity you get from your dishwasher in your kitchen and whether you want to try to move them. Also, if you notice a lot of clumping, changing of colors or flavors in your spices before they are 6 months to a year old, they are probably aging faster than they should. If you can't move them, try to buy smaller amounts where they are sold in bulk so you keep a fresher supply. Hope that helps.

[SusanL]

Thaks everyone! They are all in jars and I guess I will have to date them when I buy them. Beth, I will try to check tonight when I run the dishwasher at the end of the cycle and when it is filled with water. I have always had a lazy susan and used it for my spices. I can't seem to do the cabinet or drawer thing because I can't see everything and have too many spices! Thanks again!