How do you organize your spices?

[jliah]

I know I have over 50 spice jars; and whenever I cook, I feel like screaming because I can't find the spice I want! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/mad.gif HELP!!!

I have tried keeping them alphabetized, but it's difficult because part of them are all stacked up on a lazy susan. I'm thinking that maybe I should buy little jars to keep all of them uniform and then get rid of the lazy susan and store in alphabetical order.

Any ideas out there?

[MrsReber]

Hey, I think we use the same method! I usually just knock everything over trying to find the spice that I want!

[SandyM]

Gosh, I have about 30-40, and mine are on a two-layered lazy susan inside my lazy susan cupboard. I keep the ones I use frequently on the outer edges, easily within reach, and the ones I use less frequently on the inside. It seems to work for me.

Of course both levels are full of spices, so if I were to acquire more spices, this could be a problem........

Hmmm.....guess I'd better stay away from www.penzeys.com (http://www.penzeys.com) for a while....... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Grace]

I have a four-shelf wall rack mounted inside my pantry door. I keep mine on those shelves, alphabetically (or close enough - i.e., all the "c" spices are together, etc.)

[sneezles]

I use those tiered racks that adjust to size (width wise) and then place them alphabetically.

And BTW-I have never met a Lazy Susan...we're all at least Party Susans!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[Alisa]

I keep my spices in jars which have labels on the tops. They stand up inside a deep drawer so when I open it - well - there they are!
This was supposed to be a cutlery drawer but now I keep my cutlery in a basket on the counter. I had spice jars all over my kitchen too and set it up this way to try and regain some control - it seems to be working!

[Wendy w]

I have mine (I think over 50) in a drawer that I have to reorganize a couple of times a year. I try to keep them alphabetized and in order but it is difficult. Thank you for the reminder!

[HDgirl]

I have about 25 and don't have a problem because of where they are stored. My SO took apart the ironing board cabinet (in the wall...old house) and made it into a spice cabinet. He added little shelves..it's perfect..still have lots of room. I can see everything at a glance.

[Terrytx]

Mine are on wall racks also. I try to keep them somewhat in alphbetical order, but DH never remembers to put things back where he got them. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif

[This message has been edited by Terrytx (edited 04-18-2001).]

[lorilei]

I have a nice 3-inch-deep cupboard (which used to house an ironing board in years past) for my spices. The advantage is that I can see most of the spices without rummaging very far http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

A year or two ago, I went through my spice cupboard and threw out a ton of old, lifeless spices. I bought new ones, and also purchased a number of uniformly shaped glass jars with yellow labels. My cupboard is much lovelier now... but that still didn't solve the problem of organisation.

I've found that alphebetical spices don't make sense to me. Instead, I group them according to their "flavor compatibility". Cinnamon, cardamom, allspice and nutmeg are together on the "baked goods" shelf... Rosemary, thyme, basil, organo, etc. are on the "savory shelf" (things are further grouped into more specific "tastes good together" categories)... My variety of chiles are on another shelf... and so on.

Now when I'm looking for spices to go in a Mediterranean dish, I don't have to search high and low for them -- they're altogether. I also find that I'm more creative when I create new dishes -- I just pull down a group of complimentary spices and add them to taste. It's more fun for me -- and it has even begun to make sense to my husband http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[HDgirl]

Lorilei,
That's how I organize mine, forgot to mention organizing in my earlier post.

It makes more sense to me to do it this way.

Cheers,

Karen

[Joyce]

I got fed up this past week with my spices. I went up to the Corning outlet, found uniform jars in sets of six for $3.99 for six. I bought 8 set and my DH is building an "L" shaped spice rack for them that goes around the corner of my counter in the darkest area. I also found wonderful transparant labels in the store for $2.99 for 85 preprinted labels. I figure the total cost for everything to be under $50. For this size spice rack, I think that's a bargain.

[funnybone]

Mine are also grouped similar to lorilei's. I also have the names written on the lid with permanent marker for the ones that are in drawers. I used to have a wall spice rack, but they should be kept out of the light. I also have another rack that revolves and holds about 20 spices. When I need those, I just take the rack out and leave it on the counter while cooking.

[jliah]

Gail, when I read your response, I laughed so hard, my family was asking me if I was OK. I almost needed artificial respiration. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif You made my day!! Thank you.

Well, I have to think about all of these ideas. I can't believe I got such a huge response. Thanks to all of you!

[chefbec]

I also keep mine in a lazy susan. They go back 2-3 in depth, and although I try to keep them alphabatized, they always seem to get switched around. I'm a passionate chef, so I tend to just grab and replace, but never in the same order! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif

[Gail]

Spices? Organized??

Excuse me while I titter. (Discreet giggle follows shielded behind hand.) All right. Better. Done now. (Clear throat.)

Seems we're all pretty much in the same boat-- loaded down with those little bottles and tins, just about ready to sink. People glance at your spices and gasp, "You actually use all that stuff??" You shrug nonchalantly, stuff your hands in your pockets and grin at the floor. "Sure. Doesn't everybody?" (knowing fully well that everyone doesn't at all...)

I have no idea how many herbs and spices I have. Stopped counting ages ago. I will tell you when I remodeled my kitchen I had a large four-tiered spice bleacher built into a cabinet, which is stuffed to capacity and doesn't even begin to hold it all. Got 'em in the pantry, got 'em on the shelf above. Got a few of my favs in those megabottles from Costco in yet a fourth spot. Got 'em stashed in little envelopes. I've even got reinforcements standing by for those bottles which are just about empty. Organization? Ha!

The only thing I can offer is this: I think we all have our favorites-- those few herbs and spices we use on a daily basis which we're constantly depleting. Those I keep in the most accessible spot, which for me is the bottom shelf of my "bleacher." For me, it's not a matter of alphabetical or flavor groups-- simply a matter of convenience. I know I'm always going to use thyme, whereas spices I use for baking are something used less frequently, ergo I place them a bit farther back on the shelf. Something like saffron threads or vanilla bean is a rarity-- that I might place way, way back.

...here's a mind-boggling thought for you. Imagine how many bottles, envelopes and tins we'd have if every one of us here on this bulletin board set up our spices!

[This message has been edited by Gail (edited 04-18-2001).]