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Not sure about that Smoodgie but I know if you have a bumper crop of fresh herbs you can chop them up and add some water and make ice cubes out of them. Then you have herbs for stews and sauces in the winter.
I don't have any container questions, but I'm wondering... will dry spices stay fresher longer if you keep them in the freezer??
I use these from Lee Valley. I line the inside with plastic wrap first, then dump in the spice, then cover with the excess wrap and put the lid on. I use the small size as I prefer to buy spices in small amounts as I think they are fresher.
I use a file label for the name and attach this under the clear top window . I keep the tins in a plastic basket ( Dollar Store) in the cupboard. It hold 12 tiny tins. When I want to use a spice(s) I just take the whole basket from the cupboard. This works for me
10 small stainless steel tins $2.65 each.
I have small tin or stainless steel jars I bought them at Home Outfitters a while ago. They seem air tight but there are no labels. I am looking for labels anyone know where to find them?
I use small zip lock bags and the spices stay fresher. Then I put the bags in the little jars that go in the spice rack which seems redundant but keeps them organized at least.
I had a couple of pottery containers that I made but they were not exactly what I wanted. If I were still potting and only needed a few containers I would redo them to have a cork stopper and the spice name right on it. Unless you pot or have very few spices this would be quite pricey. I wouldn't do it for less than $10 each and even then it would be a pain in the ass. The customer might not like the glaze. You would have to make duplicates of everything in case something goes wrong in the firing. You can make better money throwing a coffee mug.
I have a parmesan cheese container that I bought elsewhere that I love. Again it's a one-of item. Sets are a nuisance to make.
Oh and you have to be sure the glaze is absolutely food safe.
I think they cost $1 or 2 for $1. I have some fancy labels to stick on. I buy spices in bulk and refill them. I have started getting the spices from a natural food store because it has better turn over than a grocery store. Well I think it does. I think they would be better in something that doesn't let in the light but the tin ones are expensive and not sure how good tin is for storage. All my spices are in a dark cool pantry (Lee Valley pull out type) so I don't feel light is a problem. Won't store them in plastic anymore. I have some large bottles from Costco and am gradually finding new storage holders. Used to share these and so they were a good buy and didn't go stale. Need to find new neighbours that are interested in this.
Also I store them alphabetically so I don't waste time searching for anything.
I would love to know what others use I hate to buy spices in large amounts as they go stale so fast but I have never found anything that works for me. Good question Karen.