How long are herbs and spices good for?

Question

I have a lot of herbs and spices that I recieved as a wedding gift two years ago. Im just now figuring out this whole cooking thing and I want to know if I should use these or buy new?

edit: Yes its been two years lol. I cook, I just havent been making anything interesting or different. Mainly chicken, spaghetti, pork chops, tacos, that sort of thing :)

Answer 1

Dried herbs and spices are only good for about a year tops. They loose what made them tasty . I think if the jars were sealed it may make a difference. You can always taste it... Good luck cooking, and remember to have fun.

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


How can you tell if your seasoning is past its prime? The shelf life of each herb and spice is different, and all age, even under the best conditions. Check your herbs and spices—and those you consider purchasing—to see that they look fresh, not faded, and are distinctly aromatic. Replace them as soon as you detect deterioration.


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.


http://www.frontiercoop.com/learn/ss_shelflife.html

Answer 3

Have you checked the expiry date on the bottle? Normally it is printed some where on the bottle. Dried spices can last for quite a few years if kept in dry environment. If there is no expiry date, throw them away and buy new ones. Good luck with your cooking.

Answer 4

Two years???...and you're just NOW learning how to cook???...

Oh, well, here goes...

Most spices are good for at least between six to ten months, others are more fragile, and last only a month at most...

Go to McCormick-Schilling's website to learn more about the freshness of their spice variety...

BTW, rent some Martha Stewart or Rachael Ray DVDs/VHS tapes and you can be just as good as both of them, mainly to impress your in-laws!!!...

Or, if you have cable/satellite, see if your provider can hook you up w/ Food Network!

HTH...

Answer 5

Store in a dry, cool, dark place... like a cubboard.
Some will lose flavor over time.

As long as they are dry, smell good and no critters they should be fine... Ive had some spices for "several" years and they are just fine. (Some you will use more often then other's).

Start experimenting!!!

Good Luck!!!

Answer 6

I have always heard one year. That gets pretty expensive. Unless you are cooking for some people with amazingly discriminating palates, just add more than what the recipe says. They never go "bad," just more tasteless.

By the way, to increase shelf time, dark=good and freezing=good.

Answer 7

herds never go bad hun TRUST ME Lol yes you can use them not to much tho dont try and kill your huddy Lol

Answer 8

opened, unopened? they are good as long as they smell and taste as they should and no little critters are crawling around in them.

Answer 9

We can keep it long time, if it keep cool place.