Overview

Kibbled onions are produced when fresh onions are cored, peeled, washed, inspected and then sliced finely before it is dried. A refining process is also completed by sieving the dried elements. Onion powder is made from dehydrated, ground onions and is also commonly used in seasoning. It is a common element of spice mixes and meat rubs and marinades.

Kibbled onion is added to soups and stews, casseroles and curries, and any sauce-based cuisine that requires lengthy simmering. It can also be added to rice and potato dishes as kibbled onion tends to “melt away” yet leave behind its distinctive flavor. It leaves behind a sweeter taste that you don’t often get when using fresh onions. Onion powder can be used in almost all savory dishes. It should be added at the beginning of the cooking process to absorb and blend in with the other flavors. It has a very strong smell, yet it works excellently as a dry rub for both meat and poultry. A dash of onion powder will give new meaning to humble mashed potatoes.

The most important point is that dried herbs and spices can never go bad if they are kept dry. Yes, the potency is lost, but it will still influence the flavor of your cooking.
Seeds, roots, leaves and flowers last longer than crushed or ground herbs and spices. When you are preparing to store your dry herbs and spices it is vital that they are completely dry. A good indication is to rub it with your finger to check if it crumbles. As oxygen degrades dried herbs and spices over time, you should store them in airtight containers. Glass jars with sealable lids are perfect, and so are metal tins. Plastic won’t do for long terms storage. Sunlight also degrades dried herbs and spices; therefore, it should be stored in a dark cabinet that is both cool and dry. If your spice rack is near the stove or cooker, steam will degrade your herbs and spices each time you open the container while cooking. When buying in bulk, you should always store only some of the dried herbs and spices in a glass or metal container. Each time you open it, it is exposed to the elements. When buying in bulk it is useful to label your containers with the purchase date and discard date.