Storage & food preparation · Jar

Spice jar

A small sealed jar or tin for keeping whole and ground spices fresh and organised.

Useful to have · No power needed · 27 recipes

What it is

Small glass jars with shaker or screw tops, metal tins, or round steel tins in a masala dabba (a lidded box holding several cups of everyday spices with a small spoon). Dark glass or opaque tins protect spices from light.

What it’s for: Keeping spices dry and aromatic and making them easy to reach while cooking.

How to use it

Fill clean, completely dry jars.
Label with the name and the date you filled them.
Store away from the hob, heat, steam and sunlight.
Measure with a dry spoon rather than shaking over a steaming pan.

Good to know

Tasks: storing ground and whole spices, storing dried herbs, keeping a masala box, storing spice blends
Materials: glass, stainless steel, tin, plastic
Care and cleaning: Wash and dry thoroughly before refilling, as moisture causes clumping and mould.
Limitations: Spices still lose aroma over time; buy small amounts often.

If you don’t have one

Glass jar with lid — Small glass jars.
Airtight container — Small boxes for spice stocks.

Equipment guide

How it works: Spices lose aroma as volatile oils evaporate and oxidise; light, heat, air and moisture speed this up. A small, tightly sealed, opaque jar slows loss.

Material	Good	Watch out
Glass	Non-reactive, does not absorb smells or stains, lets you see the contents, easy to sterilise.	Breakable; clear glass lets light degrade light-sensitive foods such as spices and oils.
Amber glass	Blocks much of the light.	Harder to see contents.
Stainless steel	Durable, non-reactive, dishwasher-safe, does not hold smells.	Can scratch non-stick pans; conducts heat, so all-metal handles get hot.
Indian masala dabba (stainless round tin)	Holds daily spices together; lid keeps light out.	Small cups; not fully airtight.

Glass jars with shaker and lid: Ground spices.
Tins: Block light.
Masala dabba: Round tin with seven small cups for daily spices.

Buying guidance

Starting out: Small glass jars that hold about a month or two of use, stored away from the stove.