Do spices actually go bad? They sure do! You might think that because spices are dry and sit in your pantry they would last forever, but unfortunately they don’t. How long your spices will stay fresh depends on the spice and how they are stored. If you’re not sure how old your spices are, it might be time to refresh your collection with the help of Old Town Spice Shop, your online spice store!
How Long Do Spices Generally Last?
All spices have a shelf life that determines how long they will be the most aromatic and flavorful for cooking. In general, dried herbs and spices that are contained in jars last 1-2 years. Other spices are a very different story. It’s a good idea to date your spice jar on the day you purchase it, so you can keep track of how long you have had it. Here is a rough estimate of how long your spices should last:
- Whole spices: Unground spices, such as whole peppercorn, allspice, whole nutmeg, etc., have a shelf life of 3-4 years.
- Ground spices: Spices like ginger, paprika, cinnamon, chili powder, and cumin typically have a shelf life of 1-3 years if they’re kept in tightly sealed jars in a dry place away from light.
- Ground and whole leafy herbs: Herbs such as oregano, basil, and rosemary are usually good for 1-3 years if you store them properly in airtight jars in a dry, cool pantry or cupboard.
Tips From Our Online Spice Store to Test Your Old Spices
If you have no idea when you purchased a spice, there are a few ways to tell if it is no longer worth using:
- Aromatics: This is one of the easiest ways to tell if your spice has gone bad without tasting it. If you open the jar and take a whiff and you don’t smell anything, the spice has lost its aromatics. It will no longer make for a well-rounded, flavorful dish.
- Color: If your spices are starting to look faded and lackluster, they are probably getting too old to cook with. Spices that are off-color will give you little to no flavor. Usually, any flavor added will be “off” flavors that you aren’t looking for!
- Flavor: Still unsure if your spices are old? Give them a taste! If they don’t taste quite right or as vibrant as they used to be, get rid of them.
Refresh Your Pantry
It’s time to throw away that 10-year-old seasoning salt you inherited from your parents. Old Town Spice Shop’s online spice store can help you restock on fresh spices for all of your cooking and baking adventures! Between our unique blends and seasonings, spices, peppers, gourmet salts, and more, there is no shortage of options. You can visit us in-store or shop online at www.oldtownspiceshop.com.
