How long do spices in those kitchen spinning racks last?!
13 years ago, we got one of those wedding gift spice racks!. I recently needed a spice, dug this item out from the rack and opened it!. They are still al sealed, it smelled okay, but I wonder how long can Fenel seed, poppy seeds, mustard seed, dill weed, parsley flakes, etc!. last!? Is there a site or sheet I can download out there I can print out and use as my checklist for throwing out the bad stuff!?Www@FoodAQ@Com
Answers:
Oh dear, certainly not 13 years my friend, sorry!. Most dried herbs that are properly stored in a cool, dry place have a shelf life of one year, maximum!. Yes, shelled herbs can last longer but will definitely lose their flavor!. Spice racks are wonderful gifts, don't get me wrong!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.but after 13 years, I wouldn't use ONE spice off that rack!. Please treat yourself to some fresh spices and pick the ones you will actually use and love! Check this spice rack "off" your list, have a great weekend of shopping!Www@FoodAQ@Com
It depends on the spice!. If it smells good, and looks good, I would use it with no hesitation!.
If it smells OK, maybe!.
If there is no smell, or worse yet, a bad smell, just toss it!. You've done without it for 13 years, I don't think you need to mess with it now!
BTW, if you want to keep the rack, toss the insides into your compost pile, and keep the bottles!. You can re-label them, or put freshly dried herbs and spices in them!.
(-; Really hate throwing out stuff!? Take the seeds, and any spices like cinnamon, allspice or nutmeg, and mix!. Add enough applesauce to make a "dough" (you may want to use gloves if you are mixing this with your hands)!. Roll it out between two pieces of plastic wrap to about 1/8 of an inch (approx!. 2 or 3 mm), then use a cookie cutter to cut shapes!. Carefully use a toothpick to put a hole in the top, about 1/8 of an inch or more from the edge!. Let it air dry, turning daily!.
Put a ribbon through when dry, and you have old-fashioned moth preventers! I don't know how well they actually work, but if you hang them in a closet, it'll make your clothes smell spicy!.
But seriously, you may as well toss them unless there are spices you really use in there!. If you use them, you'll know by the smell if they are any good!.
In general, most herbalists recommend replacing all your herbs and spices every year (sometimes sooner -- parsley turns tasteless very quickly)!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
If it smells OK, maybe!.
If there is no smell, or worse yet, a bad smell, just toss it!. You've done without it for 13 years, I don't think you need to mess with it now!
BTW, if you want to keep the rack, toss the insides into your compost pile, and keep the bottles!. You can re-label them, or put freshly dried herbs and spices in them!.
(-; Really hate throwing out stuff!? Take the seeds, and any spices like cinnamon, allspice or nutmeg, and mix!. Add enough applesauce to make a "dough" (you may want to use gloves if you are mixing this with your hands)!. Roll it out between two pieces of plastic wrap to about 1/8 of an inch (approx!. 2 or 3 mm), then use a cookie cutter to cut shapes!. Carefully use a toothpick to put a hole in the top, about 1/8 of an inch or more from the edge!. Let it air dry, turning daily!.
Put a ribbon through when dry, and you have old-fashioned moth preventers! I don't know how well they actually work, but if you hang them in a closet, it'll make your clothes smell spicy!.
But seriously, you may as well toss them unless there are spices you really use in there!. If you use them, you'll know by the smell if they are any good!.
In general, most herbalists recommend replacing all your herbs and spices every year (sometimes sooner -- parsley turns tasteless very quickly)!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Between three months to a year, depending on the spice - even if they smell ok, they won't add the spice that you are looking for in the food!. They shouldn't make you sick, unless they have mold or mildew in them, but also won't do anything for the flavor!. I'd say toss the ones you have and replace all of them!. I usually write a quick note on the label about when I bought them, so I know, after a year, they are all mostly garbage!. Sorry!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Spices last for years, but they retain their flavour better when not exposed to light!. Spice racks might look nice in your kitchen, but they are really just for decoration!. Keep the spices you value in the dark!.
Why do so many people think spices and herbs are the same thing!? Herbs should be fresh!. Grow your own, even if you only have a balcony or a window sill!. At a pinch you can freeze herbs in an ice cube tray, but don't forget to label them!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Why do so many people think spices and herbs are the same thing!? Herbs should be fresh!. Grow your own, even if you only have a balcony or a window sill!. At a pinch you can freeze herbs in an ice cube tray, but don't forget to label them!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Here's a reference chart for you to review:
http://www!.storeitfoods!.com/shelf-life
It seems you may want to start over!. You know the way I purchase my spices is at whole foods!. I purchase them as I need them in small quantities!. You save money and the items are always fresh and give great results in the recipes!. Things like cinnamon, of course, I buy a little more of so as to always have some around the house!. This way when a recipe calls for cardamom, ground cloves, or even dill, I don't have to search through the pantry, dust off the top of some rusting tin and wonder, "is it too old!?"Www@FoodAQ@Com
http://www!.storeitfoods!.com/shelf-life
It seems you may want to start over!. You know the way I purchase my spices is at whole foods!. I purchase them as I need them in small quantities!. You save money and the items are always fresh and give great results in the recipes!. Things like cinnamon, of course, I buy a little more of so as to always have some around the house!. This way when a recipe calls for cardamom, ground cloves, or even dill, I don't have to search through the pantry, dust off the top of some rusting tin and wonder, "is it too old!?"Www@FoodAQ@Com
they wont hurt you but you should only have enough dried herbs and spices for a 6 month supply for the best and strongest flavors!. I try to replace mine every 6 months more often is better but I'd say 6 months max for the highest quality flavor!. 13 years is way to long!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
well i say most are freezed dry ed anyway i still use them long after and taste is still there after all they are sealed in glass !. i use a little warm water let them sit for a few minutes if aromour is still there i use it ,and a seed is a seed it just doesnt loose it , unless they have gone soft and mushieWww@FoodAQ@Com
Chuck the lot out, they must be so stale by now the improvement in taste in your food must be minimal!. Most cooks / chefs will tell you to buy in small quantities, keep in dark, sealed jars and replace more often than 13 years!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Oh Sweetie!.
6 months is as long as you should keep herbs and spices!.
After that you might as well be using saw dust ! They may smell alright but the taste is gone!.The best flavor is diffidently 6 months!. Good Luck!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
6 months is as long as you should keep herbs and spices!.
After that you might as well be using saw dust ! They may smell alright but the taste is gone!.The best flavor is diffidently 6 months!. Good Luck!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Whole seeds and pods last forever if kept sealed and cool!.
Ground last about a year until taste degrades!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Ground last about a year until taste degrades!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
most herbs last 5-10 years!. They are not bad to eat!.!.!. but they loose flavorWww@FoodAQ@Com
http://www!.ochef!.com/627!.htmWww@FoodAQ@Com
i say no more than 18 months becuse they get staleWww@FoodAQ@Com