simple, re-purposed spice jars
Oh, how cute!
There are so many darling spice jars on the market that it’s hard to choose just one style. Some stack, some magnetize to the refrigerator, and some even spin on a lazy susan. Over the years, I have bought many varieties and coveted many more than that. There was just one problem: they never quite worked for the spices I use.
No matter which set I bought, there would be a spice or two missing from the neatly labeled jars. When it came time to replenish the spices, I often had more spice than would fit in the matching jar. I ended up with “display spices” and a drawer of “cooking spices.” It just didn’t make sense.
One day, when looking at my recycling bin, I came upon a very simple solution: reuse old baby food jars. They are a nice size to fit all of my spices, and if I ever need an additional jar, I can just buy some inexpensive guava (my favorite) puree.
The secondary advantage to this spice rack is that I now buy small bags of spices at the grocery store that cost under a dollar a piece. They contain less spice than jars, but that’s a good thing, because for optimal flavor a spice should be used within six months. By purchasing smaller quantities more frequently, I get fresher spices and avoid the cost of buying an expensive jar of spice.
Earth is a little lovelier too. Recycling is wonderful, but reusing what you already have is even better. My humble little spice collection looks adorable to me.
2. Remove label. Rub a little olive oil onto any gummy residue and let sit for a few minutes. It should easily wash off after that.
3. To disinfect and remove any lingering odors, soak jars and lids in a bath of equal parts white vinegar and water for ten minutes.
4. Allow them to air dry.
5. Use a label maker or hand write the spice names on plain white mailing labels.
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