2006-07-18 22:26:26 · 7 answers · asked by spellingninja 2 in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
They don't go "off" just lose their flavour due to the evaporation of essential oils.
If you store them in an airtight container (make sure it is absolutely dry or they may go mouldy) they will keep for a long time.
Ideally buy your spices whole and grind them as you need them, the retain much more of their flavour this way.
With a few notable exceptions - [particularly Dill weed, mint and oregano (marjoram)] herbs don't dry very well, and lose their flavour almost immediately.
I find that chopping them and freezing in an Ice cube tray is a better way of preserving herbs that don't dry well, and they are then ready to garnish your dishes, or flavour soups and casseroles.
Basil stores best in oil as Pesto.
2006-07-18 23:28:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 26⤊ 0⤋
Ive had some of mine for years and they do lose there flavour a little but just add more.
2006-07-19 05:35:10 · answer #2 · answered by clare s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some loose their flavours slightly some get a even better taste. But i dont think they go off...
2006-07-19 05:33:14 · answer #3 · answered by DejaVu 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't keep them for more than six months or so - they go stale and don't taste as they're supposed-to. BUT, if you're that worried about keeping them for that long, why buy them in the first place if you're not going to use them?
2006-07-19 06:09:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If stored in airtight jars, they can be used for long time. The freshness & aroma will remain.
2006-07-19 05:33:14 · answer #5 · answered by bharat b 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
normally they just lose flavour
2006-07-19 05:30:35 · answer #6 · answered by The Wanderer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
loose flavour you might as well use sawdust if they are old stock
2006-07-19 05:38:03 · answer #7 · answered by madison 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋