I have some spices, a few are open but most of them are not, are they still any good they are about 4 yrs old
2006-08-25 08:20:56 · 21 answers · asked by Tulip 3 in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
ground spices 2-3 years
whole spices 3-4 years
seasoning blends 1-2 years
herbs 1-3 years
extracts 4 years, except pure vanilla, which lasts indefinitely
http://www.mccormick.com/content.cfm?ID=11985
2006-08-25 08:37:32 · answer #1 · answered by Swirly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spice is a pretty general term. With the huge variety of things you could be talking about, there are a significant number of ways each spice could kill you or poison you at this time. It won't hurt your budget that much to replace most of them with some bargain spices at the local supermarket.
2006-08-25 15:24:20 · answer #2 · answered by minstrel_of_munificence 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I heard that spices lose there flavor after about a year. Also spices can MOLD. Some do go bad. I have had it happen. Look them over and if you can replace them do so.
2006-08-25 19:25:22 · answer #3 · answered by smile4u 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually with spices even if they have not been open the potency fades after about a year. You should taste them before using in any recipes.
2006-08-25 15:24:09 · answer #4 · answered by tealover 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lol No. Most of them have probably lost a lot of color and flavor and may have even taken on a flavor of their own due to being kept with other spices. Chuck them and invest in some new ones. Try fresh herbs as well...they are readily available and taste, in my opinion, better than dried.
2006-08-25 15:34:53 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say yes but they will be weak in taste. I replace my spices if I haven't used them (only if opened) every 6 month. They get stale after a while.
2006-08-25 15:25:39 · answer #6 · answered by Blue Eyes 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If they are whole spices (not ground into powder), they might still be okay. Try smelling and tasting a sample to see how strong they are.
Have they been exposed to light and air? They lose their potency, so it's like sprinkling dust into your food if they've gone stale.
2006-08-25 15:29:11 · answer #7 · answered by Empress_of_Light 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If spices are still sealed (and usually even if they're not) and kept in a fairly cool, dry place, they will keep for a long time.
2006-08-25 15:26:12 · answer #8 · answered by Monica m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they still smell like the spices they are suppose to be go for it :)
2006-08-25 15:26:27 · answer #9 · answered by dragonsarefree2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as Dave says, might of lost there flavour a bit, but there still OK. spices are mainly dry,so no problem with food poisoning. so carry on enjoy. bonn appertite
2006-08-25 15:31:39 · answer #10 · answered by valda54 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋