Hello Lori,
I go through my spices pretty quickly but here are a couple to options -- you can always share spices with friends or family. Turn them into gifts :-)
Or simply store them in the refrigerator, they last for a LONG time! It depends on the spice & your local climate but anywhere from 1-3 months in a pantry & for at least 1 yr or longer in your refrigerator.
"Garam" means hot (as in heat temp) and "masala" means mix -- so this basically refers to a mix or blend of spices. It differs from house to house in India, some people add more cumin while others add more cinnamon or clove. It's a personal preference really. You can buy ready made garam masala in any India grocery store & it does include all of your other spices in one easy collective spice mix. You can surely use it with other spices but as a single constant substitute in all dishes? Your dishes will all taste the same :-)
SADHANA GINDE, Indian Food Editor
BellaOnline Training Manager, BellaOnline Forum Admin, BellaOnine FB Admin :-)
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