Spice Cabinet

MediumWood

ClassificationsHousehold, Kitchen, Miscellaneous

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Robertson. In the Farm House Museum Collection, Farm House Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object number78.25.13

Status

On view

Collections

Label TextThe American spice cabinet has its roots in colonial kitchens, where early settlers relied on both local herbs and imported spices to flavor and preserve food. In the 17th and 18th centuries, spices such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and pepper were imported from Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean and were considered valuable commodities, often stored in small, dedicated containers or boxes to protect them from moisture and pests. These early spice cabinets reflected both practicality and status, as a well-stocked spice collection indicated wealth and sophistication. During the 19th century, as trade expanded and transportation improved, spices became more accessible to the growing middle class, and dedicated spice cabinets—often built into kitchen walls or as freestanding cupboards—became common. These cabinets were designed to organize a variety of small jars, tins, or bottles, making it easier for home cooks to access and preserve their seasonings. The rise of mass-produced kitchen furniture and standardized packaging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries further popularized spice cabinets, turning them into essential components of the modern American kitchen and establishing a tradition of organized, flavorful cooking that continues today. Sánchez, Elsa S., and Kathleen M. Kelley. “Herb and Spice History.” Home Lawn and Garden (Penn State Extension). Penn State University, n.d. Whipps, Heather. “How the Spice Trade Changed the World.” LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 12 May 2008.

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