Did You Know – Spices & Herbs
How long has it been since you replaced your ground spices or dried herbs? Have you noticed your regular recipes aren’t tasting like they usually did? It may be due to the age of your spices or herbs which lose their flavor if kept for too long.
- Ground spices are at their best for up to 6 months, after that they lose their flavor fast. If they have little or no smell then replace them.
- Dried herbs should last for up to 2 years before losing their flavor.
- Whole spices should last about 2 to 4 years.
- Seasoning blends should last for up to 2 years.
- Look at the color of your spices and herbs. If they are not vibrant and have faded so has the flavor.
- Rub the spice or herb between your fingers, if the aroma is barely noticeable replace it.
- Store bought spices and herbs may have an expiration date on the container, check it out.
- Keep spices and herbs in a cool, dark space, away from moisture and with a tight fitting lid.
- Never use the container to sprinkle spices or herbs into a steaming pot, always use a measuring spoon.
- Liven up your whole spices by toasting them in a dry skillet before grinding them.
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Categories: Did You Know, Herbs, Spices/Seasoning
I did know this but it’s a useful reminder
Time goes by so fast so I date the tops of my jars so I know when I bought them.
Great idea
Very useful information Diane! I love my herbs and spices 😉
Thank you Ribana!
something I rarely think of, sob a good reminder
Thank you Beth! I always mark the date I buy mine on top of the jars.
The shelf life is interesting to read about Diane. I just assumed they last forever!
You gradually lose the intense flavor so you don’t realize it is disappearing until you buy new. Salt lasts forever! Lol
We grow a lot of the everyday herbs, and dry them as they’re harvested each summer in a dehydrator. I’ve noticed that some keep their potency longer than others. Oregano, thyme and rosemary have a good shelf life…..parsley, not so much.
I do the same thing Ted. I found if you don’t crush the herbs until you are ready to use them they last longer.
I’m guilty of a few well-articulated points you’ve written, Diane <3 !! Thank you for the pro-tips!
You’re welcome!
Very informative! We did a spice purge a while ago and found John had some spices from 2007. I turned to him and said “are you saving these to start a Spice Museum?!?!”
I am thinking they were no longer potent, ha!!
Hahahaha that is hilarious Tierney! I used to clean mine out every year but I use so many spices it was costing me well over $100 at an Amish bulk food store and they are cheap! Now I wait 2-3 years depending on the spice and how they smell.
That is still better than most people 🙂
Now I’m going to check all my herbs and spices ! Thanks for the info Diane 🙂
It’s crazy how fast the time goes and all of a sudden they are 3 years old. You’re welcome Susan!
Thank you for this information, Diane. I’m more than a little lax about replacing my spices. I think I need to throw all mine out today and just start over! LOL!
I do that every two years Janet. It’s crazy how fast time flies by.
This is a good reminder. We have way too many spices. Having two houses, they don’t get used up quickly enough. I definitely have noticed some of them losing color and especially scent. At that point, they are useless!
Right! I have a ton just in one house but I do use them. I spend over $100 at an Amish bulk food store when I buy new ones.
Great info! Thanks.
Thank you!
Interesting – the only spice I use is cinnamon and I have to shake it out a little or I sneeze. TMI I know. 🙂
Well I guess it’s better sneezing with cinnamon than it is pepper. Lol
Yes!
Thanks for the tips on herbs and spices!
You’re welcome Mary! ❤️
We often go through our spice cupboard and replace those spices that no longer have a smell. We like to use spices in our food and luckily it doesn’t really get a chance to get old. Thanks for the useful information Diane.
Good for you, fresh is always best Corna! You’re very welcome.