WE are moving...and I am throwing out spices that I have had for a long time...like 2 to 4 years....and my husband seems to think that they don't get old...and we shouldn't throw them out. I want to throw them out and get new and fresh ones...husband thinks WHOA they are expensive!!!
2007-04-06 11:23:57 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
Hi !!!
Yes, they do go bad...here is a website that you be find helpful...Your question was asked...
How long can bottled spices be kept; what is the shelf life? The good news is, spices do not spoil. The bad news is, they lose their strength. What is interesting is that a lot of cookbook writers tell you to purge your pantry once an herb or spice is about 6 months old. But the spice companies — among them behemoth McCormick and specialty spicer Penzeys — are not so reckless. They tell you to keep and use the spices as long as they appear to have flavor — and they trust you to be able to tell!
Stored in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place, spices retain their potency longer than you'd think — as long as 4 years for whole spices, 2 to 3 years for ground spices, and 1 to 3 years for leafy herbs, depending on the herb. Whole peppercorns, nutmegs, and cinnamon sticks hold on to their flavor for ages. Particularly potent whole spices, such as cloves, cumin, and cardamom will also last for a long, long time.
Herbs lose their flavor faster than spices. Dried herbs that have no color and no or very little smell when crumbled in the palm of your hand are probably too old for practical use. Yet even if they don't look all that green anymore, but still have some oomph when crumbled in you hand, use them freely.
For ground spices, shake the jar, let it settle and give a sniff. If there's essentially no smell, it should be tossed out. If the spices have a bit of fragrance left but are not as potent as you remember or think they should be, just use more in the recipe. Then you'll run out sooner and have a reason to start fresh with a new batch.
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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
2007-04-06 12:15:25 · answer #1 · answered by “Mouse Potato” 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The shelf life of properly stored spices and herbs is approximately 3-4 years for whole spices and seeds, 2-3 years for ground spices, 1-3 years for leafy herbs, and 1-2 years for seasoning blends.
Spices and herbs should be stored in airtight bottles, away from the exposure to heat, moisture and direct sunlight. These elements hasten the loss of flavor and aroma of spices and herbs. Avoid storing your spices and herbs over the stove, dishwasher, sink, or near a window. Members of the red pepper family (capsicums), such as paprika and chili powder, should be refrigerated to help retain color and guard against infestation. This is important especially during the summer months and in particularly hot climates like here in manila.
2007-04-06 13:07:59 · answer #2 · answered by genericmamaw 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't keep spices around for longer than 2 years. Most spices have expiration dates on the bottle. I would throw them out and buy all new. They really aren't that expensive.
2007-04-06 11:33:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Spices most definitely go bad. They lose potency and flavor and change dramatically change in flavor. In most cases spices are good for about a year. So buying those monster cans in the wholesale clubs makes no practical sense.
If your husband doesn't believe you make garlic bread with fresh garlic powder and the can you have. Use the same amount of ingredients in each recipe and let him taste for himself.
2007-04-06 11:29:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My worst kitchen disaster happened even before i started to cook anything. I was abt to make an omelette. I started the pan with a little of oil. I was frying the egg while the toaster was toasting the bread, the spring in the toaster was stuck (i did not realize) and the bread did not pop up. Instead there was smoke and a burnt smell, i immediately switched off the toaster and used a knife to spring up the toaster to remove the burnt bread. When throwing away the bread, the pan started sizzling badly, i rushed to the pan and found the egg burnt as well.
2016-05-18 23:49:25 · answer #5 · answered by helena 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does Old Bay Go Bad
2017-01-12 19:40:46 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yesssssssssssss they do and can. By the way, all red spices like paprika, crushed red peppers, and Cayenne pepper should be store in the refrigerator
2007-04-06 11:28:56 · answer #7 · answered by almond_lace 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no they do go bad and loose flavor,so its best to get rid of them and just buy small jars the little bitty ones ,so you can use them fresh,only buy big ones of things you use a lot of ,
2007-04-06 11:32:33 · answer #8 · answered by raindovewmn41 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes they have essential oils in them to give them their flavor and oils can go rancid or evaporate (and flavors can deteriorate) so I would throw them out. (except for saffron and cardamon...which are VERY expensive)..
2007-04-06 12:12:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my question is about cumin which we bought 8 years ago in Israel....used it in a stew today and now wondering!!!
2014-09-24 13:42:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋