stop the clumping up

A home cook has shared her simple tip to stop herbs and spices from ‘clumping up’ at the bottom of the jar, and all you need is a grain of dry rice. 

The Australian woman posted on Facebook, where she said she was sick of her ‘powder herbs and spices clumping up into a solid’ so she can’t get any out when she’s cooking.
‘An old wives’ tale that actually works is you should put a grain of rice through one of the holes inside the jar,’ Michelle wrote. 

The reason why the tip works is because the rice absorbs any moisture from the jar, and stops them from forming into a solid. Others said the same is true of split peas and dried beans, while you can also try storing your jars upside down to limit any air from the atmosphere from getting in.

‘Make sure they are always stored in a dark cool place. Never shake them over a steaming pot and you can even add un-popped popcorn to the containers to prevent this,’ another commenter added. The reason why you shouldn’t shake them over a steaming pot is again due to the moisture levels from a steaming pot.

Herbs and spices aren’t the only thing that can benefit from being stored upside down.

Previously, a mum said she stores her ice cream upside down in the freezer as this prevents the ice crystals from forming on the surface.

Another woman said she stores her jars upside down in the fridge once opened, because it helps to keep the food fresher for longer.

Daily Mail