topic Shelf Life of Spices in Recipes

Shelf Life of Spices

walker — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 18:17:37 GMT

As I was getting some spices out today, one thing led to another and I ended up going through all of my spices checking expiration dates. I usually keep a little longer than date maybe up to year....spices are expensive! Some I use regularly so never a problem....it is the occasional use ones that sit and don't get used up.

Made me wonder......do you pitch spices as they reach the "use by" date or keep longer?

Re: Shelf Life of Spices

Zhills — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 18:32:29 GMT

I keep my spices in a dark cabinet and I keep them if they smell good!

My Knorr spices do not have expire dates!

Re: Shelf Life of Spices

ValuSkr — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 18:34:58 GMT

They're too expensive to toss. If one of my spices has been around quite a while, I'll use a bit more than the recipe calls for.

Re: Shelf Life of Spices

Flatbush — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 18:40:39 GMT

I test them. If they still smell good, I keep then even if they are past due date.

Re: Shelf Life of Spices

Carmie — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 18:41:32 GMT

Most spices if properly stores do not " go bad."They might lose flavor though. I don't toss many spices, if they still smell good, but if they are expired by a few years, I get rid of them.

Baking powder is another story. I try to buy the smallest container as I can get and toss it often...even before the expiration date sometimes. If if fails, your baked goods won't turn out right.

Re: Shelf Life of Spices

millieshops — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 18:49:08 GMT

My understanding of the "use by" dating is that marks the end of a product's best time. It has nothing to do with safety. Because that's what I care about, if the product still looks good and smells good I don't toss it.

Almost everything on my shelf is beyond its best use date. All that really means to me is that it's okay for me, but I'd buy new if the spice were significant in something I was feeding to company. For myself, I just adjust amounts.

Re: Shelf Life of Spices

iwrite — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 18:49:54 GMT

most of my spices do not have an expiration date.
i don't throw them out, based on the date.
as much as possible i buy spices that have a grinder. i find that they stay fresh and keep the flavor much longer then the salt shaker kind of spice bottle. for the most part, they stay in the cabinet.

i probably should buy a lock n lock container large enough to hold them <smile>

i did see that they have individual containers for spices, but that would take up more room and then i'd have to label each container.

Re: Shelf Life of Spices

sandy53 — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 18:51:45 GMT

Years ago a guest speaker from Tones Spices told my foods class that all "red" spices should be stored in the refrigerator. That would be things like chili powder, paprika, red pepper, etc.

Re: Shelf Life of Spices

GenXmuse — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 19:39:47 GMT

I often wondered as I have some that I don't even remember what era I got them from!

Re: Shelf Life of Spices

RedTop — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 19:47:15 GMT

I only buy and use the most common spices; they are dated when purchased, and tossed after 2 years if any actually stay that long.

I do not even consider making recipes that call for any spice not already in the drawer.

Re: Shelf Life of Spices

Financialgrl — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 20:29:54 GMT

I moved 2 years ago and there were spices in there I have no idea why I bought (other than they probably were bought for a specific recipe) so I tossed. I had many spices that had gotten pushed/hidden in the back of the cabinet and been there for 15 years! Tossed also.

Re: Shelf Life of Spices

JYWilliams — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 20:48:55 GMT

@GenXmuse wrote:
I often wondered as I have some that I don't even remember what era I got them from!

LOL!!!

Re: Shelf Life of Spices

Zhills — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 21:23:24 GMT

I just bought new spices and they all have a "best by" but not an expiration date! Most are at least 2 years out.

Re: Shelf Life of Spices

DiAnne — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 21:58:49 GMT

I always check bulk spices before buying a spice that I might not use again. I also buy spices in the smallest jar possible. Penzey's sells most all of their spices in the 1/4 cup jar.

Re: Shelf Life of Spices

Moonlady — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 22:32:14 GMT

Like others, if they're still aromatic, and not discolored, I use them.

I still have nutmeg balls (whole nutmeg) from 1976😯. I purchased them from the "Gourmet" section of Wegmans--when they had a gourmet section. (LOL The entire store is "gourmet" now.) I grate the balls as I need them, and they're as fragrant as ever.

Re: Shelf Life of Spices

ECBG — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 22:35:21 GMT

Mine stay fresh for quite a while because they're in the freezer!

Re: Shelf Life of Spices

LilLadyNJ — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 03:07:58 GMT

@DiAnne wrote:
I always check bulk spices before buying a spice that I might not use again. I also buy spices in the smallest jar possible. Penzey's sells most all of their spices in the 1/4 cup jar.

I like the Penzey's spices as well.

A few months ago I went through my spice rack and tossed all of the spices I had for years that had expired. I threw out about 15 small containers and replaced with fresh spices that I actually use.

Re: Shelf Life of Spices

walker — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 12:33:17 GMT

Thanks everyone for your interesting comments. I had never heard about putting red spices in the refrigerator. I have heard good things about Penzey's spices....will check them out.

Re: Shelf Life of Spices

Harpa — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 12:55:43 GMT

I've never had anything lose their pungency. But if I spot an old container, I will pitch it.

However, I use herbs & spices a lot, so I am constantly replacing what is used up.