My spice drawer is essential for preparing healthy meals. Below I share how I organize my spice drawer and offer practical tips for storing dried spices.
When I moved into my new apartment earlier this year one of the first projects was organizing my pantry. I enjoyed purging, cleaning, and labeling food into jars, which made everything feel fresh and orderly.
Next I focused on my spice drawer. I was excited to have the largest spice drawer I’ve ever owned: roomy enough to display my favorite Simply Organic spice jars side-by-side, clearly visible and easy to reach.
Watch this video to see how I organize my spice drawer:
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I’ve used Simply Organic spices for years because I prioritize quality and responsible sourcing. Their spices are organic, non-GMO, and non-irradiated, which matters because some brands use irradiation to sterilize spices.
There are also practical reasons I prefer Simply Organic jars: their square shape prevents rolling in the drawer, and their minimalist labels make it easy to assess freshness at a glance—ideal for a minimalist kitchen.
Cook for a Change
Spices elevate simple ingredients into memorable dishes. They can introduce you to new cuisines and bring comforting familiar flavors to home-cooked meals. My aim with Downshiftology is to inspire you to cook from scratch and to appreciate how nourishing food can be transformative.
Simply Organic shares that view: they believe spices can transform a dish and that cooking can transform your life. That belief is the core of their Cook for a Change campaign, which I’m proud to support.
How I Organize my Spice Drawer
Because my drawer is extra wide, I use two tiered wooden spice drawer inserts and had them trimmed to fit perfectly. Off-the-shelf inserts wouldn’t have matched the drawer’s dimensions as well as these custom-cut pieces.
Once the inserts are in place, I set the spice jars on top. I organize them alphabetically for quick access, but because the jars are clear I can often spot the right spice immediately.
I do keep a few jars from travels—lemongrass from Thailand and saffron from Bali, for example. To maintain a cohesive look I bought empty jars that match the size of my favorite brand so everything looks uniform.
I label jars with an extra-fine water-based paint pen. I also write the date I opened a jar on the back so I can track freshness and replace spices when needed.
3 Spice Tips for Healthy Recipes
1. Watch the expiration date
Spices lose potency over time. After opening, most spices stay flavorful for about 1–2 years; whole spices last longer than ground. If you rarely use a particular spice, consider buying it whole and grinding as needed. Mark the open date on the jar so you can evaluate what to replace at the start of each year.
2. Store in a cool, dark place
Keep spices away from heat, light, and moisture to preserve flavor. Storing them near a stove or above a dishwasher can cause early deterioration. If you’re unsure whether a spice is still good, give it a sniff—if the aroma is weak, it’s time to replace it.
3. Know when to use spices
Use fresh herbs and dried spices differently. Fresh leafy herbs (basil, sage) are best added at the end of cooking to retain bright flavor. Dried spices benefit from being added earlier so they can meld with other ingredients in soups, stews, and curries. Dried spices are also preferable for dry rubs or homemade spice blends. Remember dried spices are more concentrated—start with roughly one-third the amount of fresh herbs and adjust to taste.
What’s my Favorite Spice?
Choosing one favorite is tough, but garlic is the spice I reach for most often. Fresh garlic is a staple, and dried garlic powder is a convenient option for seasoning chicken, fish, and roasted vegetables.
My Top 10 Spices
If you’re building a starter spice drawer, these ten are versatile and foundational:
- black pepper
- cinnamon
- cumin
- curry powder
- garlic powder
- ginger
- oregano
- paprika
- rosemary
- thyme
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This post was created in partnership with a spice brand I’ve used for years. All thoughts and opinions are my own.