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| Top to bottom: Toasted Thai rice powder, popcorn salt, my pulled pork rub, and mung beans. |
are my new best friends in the kitchen.
8 oz. squat polypropylene deli containers bought at Smart & Final (or other restaurant supply store type place), microwaveable so they say, 50 to a pack, about $7 for containers plus lids, roughly 15 cents a piece.
About 4 inches in diameter and 1.5 in height, they are the perfect spice and dry condiment containers. They're easily stacked and space efficient; it's easy to tell what's in them; and, if you're like me, they are, like most disposable things, washable and reusable. Not to mention perfect for a single serving of creamy soup or rice for lunch, or for gifting your neighbors with just enough jam or salsa with a cute Post-It stuck on top as a label.
Less expensive than Ziploc or Gladware containers, and, to my somewhat minimalist eye, more aesthetically pleasing too. (Not to mention devoid of those pesky logos I so detest.)
If I have a hard time making best friends with people in life, at least these containers can be my best friends in the kitchen. :)
shinae
06.15.11 - In the interest of valuable information, please see Jim Leff's comment below regarding the safety of polypropylene containers, particularly when exposed to light and heat. It would appear the jury is still out on the level of danger posed, but it's always good to make informed decisions.
I'll probably keep these out of the microwave for the time being.
Not to alarm you, but:
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polypropylene
In 2008, researchers in Canada asserted that quaternary ammonium biocides and oleamide were leaking out of certain polypropylene labware, affecting experimental results. Since polypropylene is used in a wide number of food containers such as those for yogurt, Health Canada media spokesman Paul Duchesne, said the department will be reviewing the findings to determine whether steps are needed to protect consumers.
The Environmental Working Group classifies PP as of low to moderate hazard.
and:
Polypropylene is liable to chain degradation from exposure to heat and UV radiation such as that present in sunlight.
It's easy to find "safe" food-quality plastics at reasonable cost. But if you're determined to use polypropylene, do keep them well out of sunlight and heat (i.e. store nowhere near stove/oven).
Hey, Jim! Nice to see you here.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information on polypropylene. I do keep them well away from sunlight and heat, but I will definitely read up some more on this issue.
They do look questionable for microwave, and I think my comment in passing about their microwaveability was probably not strong enough a caveat.
I'll add the information you provided as a post script to my post for benefit of readers. :)
shinae