Solution to hard onion powder

[Okra]

Went to measure out some onion powder the other day and it was hard as a rock. I've had this happen before and I'm wondering if there's something I can put in the container to keep the moisture out, like we used to do with the salt shaker...grains of rice? pieces of cracker? Anyone know the solution to this? It is stored in a drawer, away from the stove so that's not the problem and it's the only spice this happens to. Even the salt, which is kept near the stove, doesn't have this problem.

[Zeldaz]

You could get one of those dessicant packets they put into packets of sea vegetables to keep them crisp. Or, I bet if you put the the next fresh jar into a zip lock bag and kept it in the freezer it would help. If all else fails, a move to the desert will definitely take care of it!

[Jim in Washington]

Okra, when I was living in NW Florida, in the olden days, we used to have to put either a TBSP of rice, or chunks of soda crackers in the sugar container to absorb moisture. I wonder if that trick would also work in your case, in the future? Sorry, no ideas except a meat mallet for now. But, think of the frustrations you can work off!

[mums the word]

Just want to tell you that this happens to me too and only with onion powder. I can't figure that out either. I keep the spice jar away from the stove and store extras in a ziploc bag and both of them go hard as a bullet.

I think I should try the rice idea. Now that I have read that, I remember my grandmother having rice in the salt shaker and I never knew why. Hope it works. Thx Okra.

[Okra]

Well thanks everyone. Since moving to the desert is out of the question, I decided that next time I'm at the $ store, I'm going to buy several containers of onion powder and set up experiments using everyone's ideas and see what (if anything) works. I'll let you know if anything does. Nice to hear from you all.

[Zeldaz]

Sounds like a great plan. If you change your mind about the desert, get in touch with me.

[Amberngriffinco]

Okra wrote:
Well thanks everyone. Since moving to the desert is out of the question, I decided that next time I'm at the $ store, I'm going to buy several containers of onion powder and set up experiments using everyone's ideas and see what (if anything) works. I'll let you know if anything does. Nice to hear from you all.

go try with the cheap stuff at Big Lots... I buy theirs most of the time, never a problem.

a

[Okra]

Amberngriffinco wrote:

Okra wrote:
Well thanks everyone. Since moving to the desert is out of the question, I decided that next time I'm at the $ store, I'm going to buy several containers of onion powder and set up experiments using everyone's ideas and see what (if anything) works. I'll let you know if anything does. Nice to hear from you all.

go try with the cheap stuff at Big Lots... I buy theirs most of the time, never a problem.

a

Unfortunately, Amber, we do not have a Big Lots in our state (SD). The dollar store is the best I can do. Thanks, anyway.

[Felix4067]

Big Lots charges more for spices than the dollar store does anyway, so you're not really missing out.

Putting it in the freezer does NOT work...been there, done that.

[Cinisajoy]

Even being in the desert doesn't always help with the spices. When mine get hard which they do on occasion I just beat them and they fall back apart.

[Luv2CookandEat]

I have had the SAME problem with the SAME spice---onion powder.....
I usually take an ice pick to break it up, but there has to be a better way!
The mallet idea has me thinking...of taking out frustrations...but...would it harden up after pounding? I mean when you have to use it next, would it go back to rock hard?
Sorry I don't the answer, but you are not alone, obviously, in your frustration.
good luck to you,
Luv

[Okra]

Ok, I bought 4 containers of onion powder at the Family Dollar at a price of 2 for $1.00. Opened each and put 1 Tbls. rice in one, 1 saltine cracker in one and 1 absorbent packet in the third. Labeled and dated each one. Just opened the 4th one and dated it. Stored them all in the same area in the same drawer. Will check each one at least once a month to see how they're doing. Boy, I feel like Mrs. Wizard! (For you youngsters, there was a show on tv called "Mr. Wizard" many, many years ago. He did scientific experiments.)

[Jim in Washington]

Okra, you keep on, like talking about Mr. Wizard like that, and you're gong to date yourself!!

[Happy Hippie]

I'm anxious to hear how your experiments work out. I have the same trouble with garlic powder and onion powder. Currently, I have been reduced to putting it into a ziploc bag and beating it back to powder form -- it can be embarrassing when cooking with a friend, LOL!

[Okra]

Jim in Washington wrote:
Okra, you keep on, like talking about Mr. Wizard like that, and you're gong to date yourself!!

Tee hee...it was awhile ago, wasn't it Mr. Jim.