How long can dried spices last?

Answer 1

I always store my spices in a dark, dry area, in tightly sealed containers. Good rule of thumb for how long to keep your spices around, is 6 months for ground spices, and 1 year for whole spices.

Answer 2

There are two seperate issues here, how long do they last and how long do they have the same flavor. Most individuals I know cannot use an entire jar of spice, whatever it might be, in a three to four month period. I never keep any spices more than 6 months.
Just realize that whatever the spice is, unless it is whole, it will lose it's potency from the moment it is dried, chopped, packaged etc...

Answer 3

how long they can last ? Years
How long the will be tasty ? 2-3 months
What can you do about it ?
buy a $15.00 coffee grinder . Label it "spices only"[ other wise you going to have some really strange tasting coffee]
Buy your spices in their whole forms -grind as needed
Buy a nutmeg grinder - enjoy the incredible difference between the junk in the jar and the freshly ground version.
Enjoy

Answer 4

I do this: you taste 'em and if they are dry tasting and have no flavour throw them out. Herbs that lose all the green are no good. And if you have ever seen fresh spices at a spice market you'd not that they are a bit moist. Dry spices are lousy if they are old. They are also best kept in sealed glass.

Answer 5

I don't use anything older than 2-3 months. They have a tendency to get stale, just like other things we eat. I make a chicken using Basil, and usually buy a new jar every 3 months or so, the same going for paprika, bay leaves, etc. For things I use weekly, like garlic powder and onion powder, those I buy every 6 months or so, unless I run out of them. And alot of the time, I use fresh herbs (basil, thyme, rosemary) that I buy in the produce area of my local Publix. :)

Answer 6

as long as they aren't moldy or smell bad.

but they lose their potentcy over time, so you will have to use more than called for in a recipe. If you have old spices, just be sure to taste what you are cooking to make sure it tastes right. If something calls for a teaspoon of oregano and yours is old, you may have to double -- but taste first! and add slowly and in small amounts.

Answer 7

The book says 2 years... before getting stale, provided they are kept in sealed containers.

Answer 8

It can last for more then 2 years if properly packed and preserved in dry place.

Answer 9

As long as you are taking care of them...having them on a nice bawl at a place you are specially bound to

Answer 10

i think they can last pretty much forever as long no moisture is present if they are clumped together in a big lump most likely not worth using.