Do SPICES spoil?

Question

Although I enjoy it, I only cook once in a while, so I seldom use my spices. Do they SPOIL?

Answer 1

You're supposed to give them one year, then replace them... But I have a cabin that I travel to only a few times a year and I've had the same spices for a LOOOOOOOOOOOOONG time. The food still tastes good, so those "replace the spices every year" fools can kiss my hott a$$.

Answer 2

The shelf life of herbs and spices will vary according to the form and plant part, too. (Those that have been cut or powdered have more surface area exposed to the air and so lose their flavor more rapidly than whole herbs and spices, for example.) Here are some guidelines:

WHOLE SPICES AND HERBS:
Leaves and flowers = 1 to 2 years
Seeds and barks = 2 to 3 years
Roots = 3 years

GROUND SPICES AND HERBS:
Leaves = 1 year
Seeds and barks = 1 year
Roots = 2 years

TEAS:
Black, green, white and oolong = 1 year
https://www.frontiercoop.com/learn/ss_shelflife.html

The best storage temperature for herbs and spices is one that is fairly constant and below 70° F. This means you need to stock them away from the furnace, stove, and the heat of the sun. Temperature fluctuations can cause condensation, and eventually mold, so if you store spices in the freezer or refrigerator, return them promptly after use. A good storage system keeps herbs and spices dry and in the dark, too. Amber glass jars with airtight lids are ideal. You might also keep them in a cupboard or drawer, cover the jars with large opaque labels, or use a curtain to cover them when not in use. In a nutshell, store your herbs and spices in clean, airtight containers, away from heat and light, and handle them thoughtfully.
https://www.frontiercoop.com/learn/ss_seasoningstorage.html

Answer 3

Unless your spices are ten years old, they should all have dates on them that reccomend when you should replace the spice. "Spoil" isn't quite the word; they lose their potency and will not add as much flavor you're looking for when they're old. I just cleaned out my Gramma's spice cupboard, and any that she had within the last couple years or so smelled good and had dates on them. I agree that they generally last 3 years or so; though some spices last longer than others.

Answer 4

I don't believe that they "spoil" but certainly do lose their flavor after a while. I find that the hot spices (pepper, chili powder, etc) seem to lose their flavor first. I try to keep all my spices away from heat sources (microwave, stove/oven) and in a dry, dark environment.

Answer 5

Not as much spoil as loose intensity of flavor, I would throw them out after about a year. the key to great cooking is keep it fresh, fresh ingredients, spices etc....

Answer 6

I don't think they spoil, they just lose their potency, which really bugs me, since I too seldom get to use them. I think most have a shelf life of 2-3 years.

Answer 7

Yep. You can smell an old spice and get that "old spice" smell. They lose flavor too. Sometimes, if they are not closed well, they will have little worms in them and bugs.
If you're not a picky eater you can still enjoy them after thier expiration date, but a more picky eater would know they are old.

Answer 8

THEY get old + stale. YOU need to check the shelf life on your spices. SOME last longer then others.LOOK i put some of my spices in the freezer they can last up to several years there.

Answer 9

as long as they are stored properly they can last about a year. after that the flavor changes, but they don't spoil in a way u can get sick

Answer 10

They can certainly lose a lot of their potency if you keep them around for too long. I've never heard of them going bad- just not good to have them for years. That's why they have an expiration date on the jar.