How long can you keep spices?!
Answers:
I kept my spices separately in freezer, it last for years, and the aroma is stronger when I used them!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I've included a few links for your references!. Spices do not have an unlimited shelf life!. The first link is an overall review on certain types of spices, and their shelf life!. The second link is a handy tool from McCormick's where you can enter the code on the bottom to see if it's expired (hope you have McCormick's brand spices!)Www@FoodAQ@Com
They lose a lot of their intensity after the first half year!. Ones that are not ground or pulverized (pepper, allspice, cinnamon sticks, cardamon) can go longer and still be flavorful when they are fresh-ground after a long wait!. If you don't want to waste old ones you could try adding a larger quantity to a recipe to make up for the diminished strength!. If you try it on something and don't get the flavor you want that is a good trigger to discard the rest of that package!. That way you won't feel guilty chucking it out!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Typically spices start to go stale after 6 months!. But's let's be honest!. We all have a container of 5 year old cinimon in our cupboard and the spice rack sitting out with the orgional product in it from your wedding 8 years ago!. (Or however it may apply to you)Www@FoodAQ@Com