Spices expiration dates??

[TwingleMum]

How long can you keep spices after you open them??? I try to date the bottom of the spices with a sharpie so I know when I opened them. But how long do they stay fresh to bake with?? Spices can be really expensive. I just bought ground cloves and it was $8 for a small container. YIKES!!!! In this economy I don't want to waste money but then again I don't want to ruin my cookies by using stale spices. How about molasses?? Thanks

[Tuffcookie]

Twinglemom: I think I read somewhere that they should be good for 2 yrs after opening.

TC

[disykat]

I'll admit it. I use them until the bottle is empty.

[zachnsamsmommy]

Originally Posted by disykat

I'll admit it. I use them until the bottle is empty.

Yeah, me too! I don't think they go bad, per se, just get less flavorful over time.

[NotUrsula]

For most, flavor begins to die at about 6 months of room temperature storage, especially if light can get to it. More delicate herbs begin to fade somewhat sooner.

The best way to preserve most dried spices is to wrap them up in an airtight container and store them in the freezer. Make sure that they are not going to get damp, though.

[crz4mm2]

Wow. I have dried mustard that my G-ma had at her place. OLD tin container.... She died in 85......

[pixiewings71]

I too use them until they are gone, I keep them in a cabinet in the kitchen so they are away from light...well most of them, I do have a small spice rack but I rarely even use those spices.

[Imzadi]

I've read that it's about a year. But, also you're supposed to do a sniff test. Does it still smell as strong in the jar?

I get almost all my spices from the dollar store, unless it is a specialty spice. There is no reason to be buying $8 for cloves. About every 6 weeks Rite Aid also has a dollar sale on their spices.

[aprilgail2]

"Just how long do spices stay good? Hmmmmmm. Good question. I bet a lot of you don't realize that spices really don't have a shelf life. Most if kept in dark, air tight containers can stay good for a looooong time. Yes, that's right, a long time. Some people think that you have to throw away spices after six months or so. Not true. The government guideline is 4 years for whole and 2 years for ground. However, sometimes even the best spices die young and you need to use your sniffer to check the potency. Yep, you nose will tell you if a spice is still potent and worth using.

Spices do lose their potency. As do dried herbs. However, just because a dried herb looks gray and almost colorless, doesn't mean it isn't good. Press a bit into the palm of your hand. Rub it around, does it still have a good aroma? If so, use it!

Some things to keep in mind, however. When using spices, don't shake the container over a steaming pot. This allows moisture to settle into the jar and that begins deterioration. It's not a good practice to shake over your pot because you could use a bit too much and ruin a perfectly good dish just by the tip of your hand. Measure your spices into those cute little bowls, or even a plate prior to getting your cooking started. Then you have them when you need them and there is not a concern of too much to quickly in a "shake".

Keep in mind also, that dried herbs are always more potent than fresh. Be careful with that dried basil, it can really spoil a palate if used incorrectly. Herbs are best fresh, but not many of us live in climates where you can have them fresh all year long, so a good supply of dried herbs is usually best for times of shortage.

Whole spices keep their potency longer than ground spices. When, and if possible, purchase whole spices and grind what you need when you need it. Keeping them in sealed containers and a dark place is a good rule of thumb for all spices, whole or ground.

Heat is also a factor when storing spices. The cooler the area for storage the better. Heat is another reason you don't shake the container over the pot, the heat does damage more than you realize.

Another thing with ground spices to keep in mind is that the spice berry, for lack of a better term, is made up of several layers that give body and fullness to the spice. Those layers can lose potency separately. Some parts will be good as others are fading and the full body of flavors will decline"

[caribear]

They just lose their strength over time....and I just used some white pepper that was dated "best if used by Aug 2008" and I thought it was plenty strong! Certain spices, white pepper included, are not available at the doller store....but I do buy regular spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, ect....for $1 or less at certain stores.

[wnissen]

I would add that if you can get your spices whole at an Indian market, you will save money (even over the dollar store) and get much better flavor. Freshly ground coriander seed in particular has a wonderful pine aroma that is absent in the powder.

The spice, the grind, and the flavor you're looking for all have a bigger impact than some number of months. AprilGail2 is absolutely correct.

That mustard powder is worthless if you want mustard flavor (why not just use prepared mustard) but will still work as an emulsifier (mixing aid) for salad dressing. Pepper, as noted, keeps its spiciness more or less indefinitely, but the other flavors go. Pre-ground pepper is typically aromatically dead before you buy it. On the other hand dried sage retains a lot of its aroma. The nose knows!

[TwingleMum]

Thanks guys I feel much better. How about molasses?? After you open it??

[wnissen]

I've never had molasses go bad, and we've had the same jar for several years.

[Traveliz]

Originally Posted by caribear

They just lose their strength over time....and I just used some white pepper that was dated "best if used by Aug 2008" and I thought it was plenty strong! Certain spices, white pepper included, are not available at the doller store....but I do buy regular spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, ect....for $1 or less at certain stores.

I just read that as you just used some WHITE PAPER dated August 2008 - I was thinking I have never heard such a thing!

Liz

[lynxstch]

to a McCormick page..it tells you all about spices, how long they last, how to keep them, and you can enter codes from their spices to see if they are still good!

http://mccormick.com/Spices101/HowOldSpices.aspx