Keep Spice Jars From Caking Up in the Humidity

In Florida humidity, ground spices turn into a brick inside the jar. Garlic powder and paprika are the worst offenders. Two cheap fixes keep them usable.

Pick one

• Add a teaspoon of uncooked white rice to the jar. The rice absorbs moisture, and the shaker holes keep it from coming out.
• Drop in a small food-safe silica packet — save them from vitamin bottles and shoe boxes.
• Store spices away from the stove. Steam from boiling pots is the biggest caking culprit.

Also, never shake spices directly over a steaming pot. Spoon out what you need, then season. Your spice rack will last twice as long.