Spices shelf life: Various types of spices and herbs will be found in the kitchen of every house. These spices and herbs not only enhance the taste of food but also provide health benefits in many ways. Along with cloves, turmeric, rosemary, cinnamon, sage, black pepper, mace, big and small cardamom, dry red chilli, bay leaf, celery, cumin, fenugreek etc., powdered spices are also used extensively. They contain many nutrients, especially antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, sometimes due to lack of information, people keep using the same spice for many months, even years. Especially, dry whole spices, because these are not used much daily. So do spices also have any expiry date? Let us know for how many days you can use which spices and how they should be stored so that they do not spoil quickly.
Shelf Life of Herbs and Spices
According to a news published in Healthline, spices are prepared from the dried roots, bark or stem of a plant, while herbs are the dried or fresh leaves of the plant. When it comes to determining the shelf life of dried herbs and spices, factors include their type, processing and storage. For example, dried spices last longer than dry herbs. The more whole or less processed the spice is, the longer its shelf life.
Dried herbs can generally be used for 1 to 3 years. These dry herbs are as follows-
Organo
basil
carom flowers
rosemary
Bay leaf
dill
parsley
Coriander
peppermint
The shelf life of ground or powdered spices is usually 2-3 years. These issues are as follows-
ginger powder or dry ginger
garlic powder
cinnamon powder
chili powder
ground turmeric
ground cardamom
ground paprika
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Seasoning Blends
Whole or unground spices have the longest shelf life because less of their surface area is exposed to air, light and moisture. The aromatic oils and flavor compounds present in them persist for a long time. If stored properly, you can use these spices for at least 4 years. These include the following spices-
whole black pepper
Coriander
Mustard seeds
fennel seeds
Cumin
whole nutmeg
cloves
cinnamon
whole dry chilli
lemongrass
How to recognize that spices have gone bad
Generally, dried herbs and spices do not expire or spoil quickly, but when the taste, potency and color of a spice has changed, you can replace it. This does not mean that if you use them in food you will fall ill. The possibility of this is very less. By the way, all spices have a use by date on their packets, which indicates the time limit during which they retain their best taste and quality. If you consume them even after the date has passed, there will be no much harm, but they will not add more taste, aroma, flavor, quality, color to the food than before. Yes, if there is mold or moisture, it is better to replace it.
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Store spices like this to increase their shelf life.
Keep the spices protected from sunlight, heat, wind and money as much as possible. This will not only maintain the quality of herbs and spices but will also increase the shelf life. Never keep spices in a box near the gas stove. Due to this their quality and potency may reduce. It is better that you store them in a cool, dry and dark place like in a pantry, drawer, cupboard, away from oven, stove. The best option is to keep spices and herbs in glass and ceramic containers. These keep wind and moisture away.
Tags: food, Lifestyle, Tips and Tricks
FIRST PUBLISHED: May 6, 2024, 11:33 IST
