When is it time to replace my herbs and spices?

guido · Site Admin Joined: Oct 18, 2004 Posts: 381 Location: Italy

Basically, smell is a good indicator.
Try rubbing a small amount between your fingers: if the smell is weak, it's time to change.
As a basic rule, dried herbs and spices can be stored in a dark cool place for six month. Fresh herbs in the fridge up to five days.
Some people even store herbs in the freezer, but i'm not really a fan of this porcess.
My Advice is to do not be temtped by good deals on huge jars of herbs and spices: most likely you will throw away half of it.
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In vino veritas!

paulamathers · Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 4:39 pm Post subject:

dried herbs go out of date???????????????? iv had some of mine in my spice rack for a couple of years now. will throw them out when i get home! thanks x

Kate · Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 10:30 pm Post subject:

Oh yes, the oils that make them fragrant and tasty dry up or get rancid, leaving you with little flavor or a bad flavor. I store seed spices such as dill, mustard and celery seed in the freezer as well as some of my leaf herbs. I buy my herbs in smaller packages now that it's usually just me to cook for.
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A closed mouth gathers no feet.

paulamathers · Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 3:04 pm Post subject:

think ill store them in the freezer from now on too!