My spice drawer is essential to cooking healthy meals. Below I share how I organize mine and offer practical tips for storing and using dried spices.
When I moved into my new apartment earlier this year, one of the first tasks was to organize my pantry. I enjoyed purging, cleaning and labeling ingredients in my favorite jars.
Next I tackled my spice drawer. I was excited to finally have a large drawer dedicated to spices so everything could be stored side-by-side, visible and easy to reach.
Watch this video to see how I organize my spice drawer:
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I choose organic spices because quality and sourcing matter to me. Organic options tend to be non-GMO and non-irradiated, which I prefer. I also appreciate square jars that don’t roll around in the drawer and clean, minimalist labels that let me see the spice color and freshness at a glance—perfect for a streamlined kitchen.
Cook for a Change
Spices have a powerful role in healthy cooking. They can elevate a simple dish, introduce new flavor profiles and create comforting aromas that make a meal memorable.
My goal with Downshiftology is to inspire home cooks to prepare meals from scratch. I’ve experienced how nourishing food can be healing and transformative, and spices are a big part of that experience.
The same mindset extends to many organic spice brands: thoughtful sourcing and a belief that spices can transform dishes—and lives.
How I Organize my Spice Drawer
Because my drawer is wide, I used two tiered wooden inserts cut to size so they fit perfectly. Off-the-shelf inserts wouldn’t have matched as well.
Once the inserts are in place, I arrange the spice jars on the tiers. I keep them alphabetical to make items easy to find, but clear jars also allow quick visual identification.
I sometimes include spices from travels—like lemongrass or saffron—so I keep a few non-branded jars too. To maintain a cohesive look, I purchased empty jars that match the size of my regular spice bottles. I label these with an extra-fine, water-based paint pen for a neat, permanent finish and write the date I opened the jar on the back to track freshness.
3 Spice Tips for Healthy Recipes
1. Watch the expiration date
Spices lose potency over time. Once opened, ground spices typically retain full flavor for about 1–2 years; whole spices last longer. If you use a spice infrequently, consider buying it whole and grinding it as needed. I mark the opened date on each jar so I can review and replace older spices annually.
2. Store in a cool, dark place
To preserve flavor, keep spices away from heat, light and moisture. Avoid storing jars directly adjacent to the stove; a drawer or a cupboard away from the heat source is better. If you’re unsure whether a spice is still good, smell it: a full, aromatic scent indicates freshness.
3. Know when to use spices
Use fresh herbs and dried spices differently. Fresh, leafy herbs like basil or sage are best added at the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavor. Dried spices benefit from being added earlier so they can meld with other ingredients—ideal for soups, stews and curries. Dried spices are also preferable for rubs and homemade blends. Remember dried spices are more concentrated: start with about one-third the quantity you’d use of fresh herbs, then adjust to taste.
What’s my Favorite Spice?
It’s hard to pick just one, but garlic is my most-used spice. I use fresh garlic often, and dried garlic works great for sprinkling on chicken, fish or roasted vegetables.
My Top 10 Spices
If you’re building a starter spice collection, these ten are versatile and frequently used in healthy cooking:
- 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 brand I’ve used for years. All thoughts and opinions are my own.