Preserve the masala paste in the refrigerator in an airtight container to keep it flavorful for longer. Before adding the paste, make sure that the jar is dry and clean. Squeeze the pastedown firmly to eliminate any air pockets. To maintain freshly and stop spoiling, you can also pour some oil on top. Use an ice cube pan to freeze the masala mixture in parts, then move the cubes to a sealed freezer bag for longer storage. Using this procedure, you can use the best masala paste quality for months to come without compromising flavour.
Use the Right Container
The key to preserving the aroma, excellence, and shelf life of the spice mixes is to store them in the appropriate container. Although there are many varieties of jars accessible, glass or translucent jars are usually the best choice for storing them. You don’t want to have to battle every day to figure out which masalas are kept in which box, even though you might think it’s stylish to store the multicoloured boxes that complement your cooking area decoration. Therefore, using airtight transparent jars, such as glass, metal, or masonry jars, is preferable for ease of usage.
Select the Best Location for Storage
Since the primary goal is to keep the spices fresher for longer—we are not interested in them going bad—where you keep them is also crucial. The ideal location for storing masalas is somewhere cold and dark, away from humid conditions and direct sunshine. Again, temperature and moisture may degrade the flavour of the spices, so make sure the shelf you are keeping them on is not immediately above the burner.
Dry and Clean the Container
Make sure the container is clean and dry before keeping masala granules. Humidity of any kind might lead to the powder clumping, losing its taste, or even spoiling. Taking the spices from the jar with a damp spoon or hands is not the best way to keep them away from water. If not, the spices will soon lose their flavour and become lumpy and sloppy.
Refrain From Using Damp Spoons
Even the smallest error when removing the masalas from the box or measuring could ruin the whole amount. We mean that not even a molecule from the wet spoon can be touched by dampness. Therefore, even in a rush, always use a dry spoon, or if the spoon has been cleaned, wipe it with a dry towel before using it. A brief moment of misinformation could end up costing you a lot.
Stay Away from Wetness
For any masala paste that has been preserved, humidity is the enemy. Before using, make sure your spoon and container are dry. Humidity can promote the development of microorganisms, hastening the paste’s deterioration. By paying a little attention to this detail, you may extend the shelf life of the most effective masala paste.
Apply an Oil Layer
Applying just a small amount of oil to the masala paste’s surface before sealing the container is a straightforward way to extend the duration of its shelf life. By acting as a barrier, the oil slows down oxidation by keeping air from getting to the paste. Vegetables or olive oil both function well here. Applying an oil layer is a simple yet effective way to protect and maintain various surfaces, from metal tools to wooden furniture. For metal, a thin coat of oil prevents rust by creating a barrier against moisture and air.
Spices Should Be Roasted and Cooled
The process of making traditional Indian masala powders includes roasting spices and then crushing them into a fine substance (recipe for homemade masala chai powder). Permit the spices to cool completely after burning them before grinding. Heated spices can lose moisture when ground, which might cause the powder to gather together while being stored.
Employ a Ziploc bag
A Ziploc bag can be used as a substitute for an airtight container if you have no access to one. Before closing the bag, make sure you release as much air as you can. To guarantee optimal freshness, especially when storing it in the freezer, you can optionally securely bag the paste.
Keep It in the Fridge
Since the refrigerator is cool and dark in colour, it’s also thought to be the best place to keep spices. As a result, chilling them shouldn’t be an issue. Bigger quantities of masalas should be kept in the refrigerator; however, if you plan to use the masalas frequently, do not freeze them since this would expose them to air and moisture constantly and cause deterioration.
Final words
Masala paste’s shelf life and quality can be greatly impacted by how it is stored. Whenever you want to use your masala paste right away or store it for later, you can make sure it stays fresher for a while by using these tricks. Visit onlinespost for more articles.