The Simple Reason Your Spice Jars Are Clumped Up
Picture it — you are in the groove, cooking up your favorite dish, things are going well, and you reach for your seasoning. You go to add some spice to your meal and ... nothing. The seasoning won't come out of the jar. You open the lid to check it and you see that your secret ingredient, the thing that makes your dish perfect, is stuck to the bottom and nothing is coming out. Why? Condensation, that's why.
Spices can clump in the jar due to moisture, temperature change, and air exposure. When spices are exposed to moisture, they can absorb it and become clumpy. This is particularly true for salt or seasoning blends that contain salt, because it naturally attracts moisture. Temperature changes can also cause spices to clump, because fluctuating temperatures can form condensation inside the jar. Finally, exposure to air can also lead to clumping because — you guessed it — air contains moisture and it can stick to spices within the jar. There are, however, some easy ways to prevent your spices from sticking together.
Keeping your spices safe from condensation
To prevent your spices from clumping in the jar, store them in a cool, dry place, away from sources of moisture, such as a sink or even a stove. Steam from cooking can get into your jars and cause the spices to clump or stick to the bottom of the jar, which is why you should also never shake your spices directly over a pot or pan on the stove. Instead, scoop out the spices you need for your meal ahead of time, placing them in a bowl or lidded container until it's time to add them to the dish. Be sure to use a dry spoon.
To store your spices properly, use airtight containers, such as mason jars or containers with screw-on lids, to protect them from air. If you live somewhere that's humid, consider adding silica gel packets to the jars to help absorb any excess moisture and keep your spices dry, or add some dried beans to the jar. The beans absorb any moisture that may get into the jar. It's important to note that you should not refrigerate spices, nor should you freeze them, because the moisture can get inside your jar. Aside from leading the spices to clump, this moisture can also cause the seasonings to lose flavor.
Un-clumping your spices
If you do end up with hardened spices, don't just throw them away. You can usually get them unstuck. If the clumps are small, you can use a spoon or fork to break them up, or you can tap the container gently on the counter to loosen the clumps. If you only have a few clumps that aren't causing the entire contents of the jar to stick, you can sift the spices with a strainer and remove the smaller clumps before they ruin the whole jar. For spices that are completely stuck or have larger clumps, you can grind them in a coffee grinder, run them through a blender, or use a mortar and pestle to break up any clumps.
Keep in mind that spices can go bad over time. While they don't spoil or become unsafe to eat like other perishable foods, they can lose their flavor, aroma, and color. In general, ground spices can last around six months, while whole spices can last for up to five years. To maximize the shelf life of your spices, store them properly, label them with the purchase or expiration date, and keep them away from moisture as much as possible.