6 Smart Ways to Save on Herbs and Spices

Stocking a spice rack can be expensive. If you’re starting from scratch, expect to spend $50 or more on the basics alone. And when it comes to filling your cupboard with specialty blends, you could easily spend a small fortune. Here’s how to get the most from your herbs and spices and save extra cash, too.

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world—here’s why.

Freeze your spices

Believe it or not, spices and herbs do have an expiration date. Whole spices generally stay fresh for four years while ground spices can become less potent within a year or two after purchase. Leafy herbs, like bay leaves (what are those for, anyway?), last only about a year before their flavor is compromised. By freezing, you’re locking in the fresh flavor—just as you would with meal leftovers, vegetables or fruits picked at their peak, or coffee beans—and prolonging their use.

Buy frequently used spices in bulk

Natural-foods retailers such as Whole Foods sell spices, nuts and other ingredients in bulk quantities typically spanning an entire aisle. Just measure what you need, label it and take it to the checkout. This way you get to take advantage of those budget-friendly bulk prices. If your grocery or spice source doesn’t sell in bulk this way, opt for buying larger jars—the cost per ounce is typically less with greater quantities.

Buy some spices a pinch at a time

Sure, this contradicts the tip above, but for spices you know you won’t use more than two or three times a year (or those you want to try for fun before committing), buy the smallest amount possible even if the bigger jar is cheaper per ounce. You’ll end up wasting less.

Visit ethnic grocery stores

Like to make Thai curries or tinker with Indian recipes that incorporate vibrant spices? If you’re lucky enough to live in an area with Indian, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Latin grocery stores, give those a try when shopping for spices. Some stores often sell these less common spices for less. You might not be familiar with the brand, but definitely trust the source as this store is tapped into the ethnic origins of what you’re trying to make.

Look for blends when it makes sense

Sometimes making your own spice blends makes perfect sense, like when you make your own taco seasoning. Odds are you’ll use all those components—chili, garlic, cayenne and more—on a regular basis for all sorts of recipes. Other times, though, you’ll find that buying a blend makes more sense. Consider five-spice powder. Of course you can go out and buy fennel seeds, Sichuan pepper and its other components, but odds are you won’t use all those more unusual spices by their sell-by date. Instead, buy a mix already made and get going on this amazing side dish.

Grow your own

Don’t forget, you can always grow some of your very own herbs and spices right at home. A packet of seeds costs only a few dollars, and that investment can yield you tons of fresh (and later dried) herbs. Start with these kitchen garden essentials if you plan on going this route!

With just a few strategies you can pack your spice rack and save more than a few pennies.

These spicy recipes will blow your top!

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Spicy Shrimp with Rice

No one will doubt that "light" cooking can be tasty when you put a helping of this zippy shrimp in front of them. The seafood is seasoned just right with garlic, pepper and hot sauce. — Jeannie Klugh, Lancaster, Pennsylvania Get Recipe

Spicy Chicken and Bacon Mac

I've been working to perfect a creamy, spicy mac and cheese for years. After adding smoky bacon, chicken, jalapenos and spicy cheese, this is the ultimate! I use rotisserie chicken and precooked bacon when I'm pressed for time. —Sarah Gilbert, Aloha, Oregon

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Spicy Touchdown Chili

For me, football, cool weather and chili just seem to go together. Whether I’m cheering on the local team on a Friday night or enjoying a Saturday afternoon of Oklahoma Sooner football with some friends, I enjoy serving this chili on game day. —Chris Neal, Quapaw, Oklahoma

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Spicy Corn Kabobs

Corn transforms from so-so kernels to tangy sensation when grilled, dotted with sour cream and cheese and zinged with a splash of lime. —Leah Lenz, Los Angeles, California

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Spicy Corned Beef Tacos

Using leftovers in new and exciting ways is my personal cooking challenge. These fun tacos take my favorite Reuben ingredients and turn them into something totally different—and completely delicious. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas

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Spicy Pork and Butternut Squash Ragu

This recipe is a marvelously spicy combo that's perfect for cooler fall weather and satisfying after a day spent outdoors. —Monica Osterhaus, Paducah, Kentucky

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Spicy Crab Salad Tapas

I served these at a party and everyone went wild! These delicious morsels have a crispy flaky outside filled with creamy sweet crab that has a little kick. I used scalloped edge cookie cutters to cut my pastry, but you can use a small biscuit cutter. —Vanessa Mason, Summerdale, Alabama

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Spicy Nacho Bake

I made this hearty, layered Southwestern casserole for a dinner meeting once, and now, I'm asked to bring it every time we have a potluck. Everybody loves the ground beef and bean filling, and crunchy, cheesy topping. —Anita Wilson, Mansfield, Ohio

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Spicy Cheeseburger Soup

This creamy and spicy cheeseburger soup brings my family to the table in a hurry. I love the warming zip of cayenne, but it also tastes terrific without it if you like milder flavor. With a few simple side dishes, this soup is a full meal.

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Spicy Cajun Potato Salad

Here in Louisiana we have a lot of get-togethers, and if you want your dish to be chosen over all of the rest, it has to have a kick! This does the trick. —Amanda West, Sibley, Louisiana

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Spicy Egg Bake

This family favorite makes a wonderful brunch dish served with muffins and fresh fruit. It's also a great way to use up extra taco meat. Adjust the heat by choosing a hotter or milder salsa. —Michelle Jibben, Springfield, Minnesota

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Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

We look forward to fall in anticipation of making these spicy pumpkin seeds. I often put some in a decorated jar to give as a gift.

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Spicy White Chili

I thought the original version of this dish was fine. But my son can't get enough spice, so I added green chilies and other seasonings until I'd created a quick and easy chili he's wild about. —Carlene Bailey, Bradenton, Florida

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Spicy Grilled Eggplant

This grilled side goes well with pasta or meats also made on the grill. Thanks to the Cajun seasoning, it gets more attention than an ordinary veggie. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas

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Sweet 'n' Spicy Chicken

My husband and three children love this tender, sweet and spicy chicken. Peach preserves add just a touch of sweetness, while taco seasoning and salsa give this dish some kick. This entree can be made even zippier yet by adding more taco seasoning and using spicier salsa. —Sheri White, Higley, Arizona

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Sweet & Spicy Jalapeno Poppers

There’s no faster way to get a party started than with these bacon jalapeno poppers. Make them ahead and bake just before serving. Even the hot pepper intolerant will love them. —Dawn Onuffer, Crestview, Florida

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Spicy French Dip

If I'm cooking for a party or a family get-together, I can put this beef in the slow cooker in the morning and then concentrate on other preparations. It's a time-saver that never fails to get rave reviews. —Ginny Koeppen, Winnfield, Louisiana

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Homemade Spicy Hot Sauce

I created this spicy recipe one day using what I had available from my garden: hot peppers, carrots, onions and garlic. The carrots make this recipe stand out. —Carolyn Wheel, Fairfax, Vermont

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Spicy Turkey Quesadillas

A bit of spice livens up cranberries and turkey while fat-free cream cheese rounds out the bold flavors in this easy dish. You’ll love this recipe from our Test Kitchen!

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Spicy Chicken Nuggets

We devour these golden brown chicken nuggets at least once a week. If you want to tone down the heat, skip the chipotle pepper. —Cheryl Cook, Palmyra, Virginia

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Spicy Roasted Sausage, Potatoes and Peppers

I love to share my cooking, and this hearty meal-in-one has gotten a savory reputation around town. People have actually approached me in public to ask for the recipe. —Laurie Sledge, Brandon, Mississippi

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Spicy Crab Salad

My creamy crab salad gets a boost of heat from Sriracha and a tangy touch from lime. It’s ready fast, leaving me more time with guests. —Patti Lavell, Islamorada, Florida

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Spicy Chicken and Rice

As a working mom with two kids, I have little time to prepare something hearty during the week. This recipe is easily tossed together in the morning and fabulous to come home to at night. Both of my picky eaters love it! —Jessica Costello, Westminster, Massachusetts

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Spicy Sweet Potato Chips & Cilantro Dip

This cool, creamy dip is a great partner for the spicy sweet potato chips. They're made for each other! —Elizabeth Godecke, Chicago, Illinois

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Spicy Tomato Pork Chops

Simmered in tomato sauce, these pork chops are big at our house. I add garlic powder and Creole or Cajun seasoning before browning the chops to give them extra punch. —Holly Neuharth, Mesa, Arizona

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Spicy Veggie Pasta Bake

My dad cooked with cast-iron skillets, so when I do, I remember his amazing culinary skills. I keep the tradition going with my veggie pasta. —Sonya Goergen, Moorhead, Minnesota

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Spicy Peach-Glazed Grilled Chicken

Simple chicken on the grill can’t compare with this wake-up-the-taste-buds version. It has just the right mix of spicy and sweet flavors. —Karen Sparks, Glendora, California

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Spicy Beef & Pepper Stir-Fry

Think of this stir-fry as your chance to play with heat and spice. I balance the beef with coconut milk and a spritz of lime. —Joy Zacharia, Clearwater, Florida

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Matt's Jerk Chicken

Get ready for a trip to the Islands. You may think jerk chicken is complicated, but really, all it takes is time. Throw on some tunes, grab an icy drink and prepare to be transported. Have a smoker? You can smoke the chicken first and finish it on the grill. —Jenn Hall, Collingswood, New Jersey

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New Orleans-Style Spicy Shrimp

We have family members who attended college in New Orleans. This shrimp captures their favorite flavors from the Big Easy, with the right touch of spices and heat. —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York

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Spicy Goulash

Ground cumin, chili powder and a can of Mexican diced tomatoes jazz up my goulash recipe. Even the elbow macaroni is prepared in the slow cooker. —Melissa Polk, West Lafayette, Indiana

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Spicy Hash Brown Waffles with Fried Eggs

Refrigerated hash brown potatoes help you make quick work of these crunchy waffles. Put out lots of toppings so everyone can design their own. —Nancy Judd, Alpine, Utah

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Easy Ropa Vieja Stew

Use your slow cooker for this meaty Cuban classic, which offers bold flavors without a lot of hands-on time. —Denise Nyland, Panama City, Florida

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Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Pulled Pork

While I don't enjoy drinking beer, I love cooking with it. This quick recipe also goes great on plain hamburger buns with a side of slaw. —Renee Herrington, Plano, Texas

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Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs

When I see Meyer lemons in the store, it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada

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Sausage-Stuffed Jalapenos

If you like foods that pack a bit of a punch, you’ll love these jalapeno poppers filled with sausage and cheese. This is one of my favorite recipes for parties. —Rachel Oswald, Greenville, Michigan

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Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn

One of the best things about summer is fresh sweet corn, and this recipe is a definite standout. We love its creamy dressing, crunchy panko coating and spicy jalapeno kick. If you're really feeling wild, sprinkle these with a bit of cooked and crumbled bacon! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado

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Spicy Refried Beans

Need a quick appetizer? All you need is a can of refried beans, jalapeno pepper, seasonings and cheese. Serve with tortilla chips on the side for scooping. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Turkey-Jalapeno Sandwiches

When turkey sandwich meets modern Thai, it’s a fun mix of classic and trendy food. I love it when my mixing and matching turns out so tasty. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon

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Spicy Shepherd's Pie

Taco seasoning adds zip to this hearty main dish. It's easy to top with instant mashed potatoes, which I stir up while browning the beef. —Mary Malchow, Neenah, Wisconsin

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Sweet & Spicy Peanuts

These crunchy peanuts have a caramel-like coating, and hot sauce gives them a touch of heat. They make a tasty snack any time of day. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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The post 6 Smart Ways to Save on Herbs and Spices appeared first on Taste of Home.

Kristine Hansen