how to store spices?

[the funny farm6]

I am planing a trip to the amish store. I would like to stock up on many of the spices that I use a lot of: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, garlic and onion powder, chili and taco seasoning, ect.... but what is the best way to store them? And how long do you think they will be good? They come in little bags like a bread bags with twist tie tops. I was thinking of putting them in ziplock freezer baggies in the freezer. But is there a better way and how long do you think they will be good? I will also be buying some natural herbs they have. Chamomille, and rose hips are 2. Any other good herbs you would recomend?

 

[THEFAN]

We store them in small mason jars. Label the top of the jar. We would put a label on the side but we like the pictures . We have a 6 shelf unit made just for them. After awhile you can just look at the jars and know what you need. A for how long they last. We have spices from a yr ago and thye still work fine. Hope this helps.

 

[GardenWeasel]

I store all my spices in the freezer in bags and just refill my small spice containers that are in the cabinet. I have 2 year old spices that smell and look as fresh as the day I packaged them. I love the Amish store!

 

[Dawn419]

We've been saving/recycling our empty spice containers for refilling. Plus we've taken to saving peanut butter jars, parmessan cheese jars, etc... for when we dry massive amounts of our homegrown herbs.

The main concern I have with storing them is keeping them out of the sunlight and specifically away from heat sources. I'm working on getting all of our herbs/spices moved to a wire rack away from the propane stove and heater in our tiny kitchen, doc_gonzo prefers them at the stove because they're easier to reach. Um, hello? Just turn around and there they are, right behind you...didn't even have to take a step!

Edited to add:

I'd store them in the freezer but we have a dorm-sized fridge and there just isn't room!