Need to Know

[vbak]

I am wondering how long you keep spices? I use up the basics pretty quickly: chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin,etc.. But, when it comes to the not so basic, those that are bought for holiday baking or that recipe you just have try, I am wondering what their shelf lives are. Do you date them, sniff them, or look at their cost? Thanks, Vicky

[SandyM]

Hi Vicky,

Check out this site from Penzeys on storage tips and shelf life for spices.

http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/scstore/r-storage_tips.htm?L+scstore+ljmx9294ff4be54b

Mine get a pretty good rotation (and I'm due to place another order soon), so I don't date mine.

[Julia1Pin]

I've had some of my spices ( the ones I hardly ever use) for over 2 years and they smell just fine. They came in the spice rack I bought (the jar are glass) and seem to be holding up pretty well. In fact, I just recently started using the thyme (for Gail's Psycho Chicken) and it had been in the rack (never opened) until about 2 months ago.

I think the key is smell.

[gertdog]

I definitely go by smell. Some of my spices have been on the shelf for years and are still fine (they've probably lost a little something, but they smell good and I'm still happy to use them). But I do replace some herbs when they fade and lose their color, even if they smell fine. I came across a pale-looking, half-full jar of oregano lately and pitched it without even sniffing!