how to you keep your spices

[figment3258]

So today my dh went on a cleaning binge and cleared out the cabinet where the spices are. and we went through them and threw out all that expired but i thought you are supposed to get them new every6 months? What do you do? Do you label them once you open them? Do you follow the date on them? Thanks just trying to save money but also get the full flavor of them. Also where do you buy them? Is the dollar store ok to buy them at? Thanks!

 

[VAfamily1998]

I just buy them at the regular grocery store while I'm buying other stuff. I mostly just buy them if I know I'll need them for a specific recipe. Every once in a while I'll check them all and see if they have expired, and if they have, I'll throw them out...I may or may not buy more on my next shopping trip--otherwise I just wait 'till I'm making something that requires that spice.

I'm not brand loyal--sometimes I buy nicer looking jars and sometimes I'll buy the store brand...just depends on how much money I have that specific shopping trip

 

[Sarahlovy]

I LOVE Penzey's spices. I am slowly replacing all of my spices with theirs. They suggest a year for most spices- they say that most spices are only harvested once a year, so there is really no point in replacing them every six months. I toss mine if they smell stale or if they really don't smell at all. One thing I love about Penzey's is how strong they are- a little goes a long way. Dollar store spices seem very bland in comparision.

 

[clh2]

I LOVE Penzey's spices. I am slowly replacing all of my spices with theirs. They suggest a year for most spices- they say that most spices are only harvested once a year, so there is really no point in replacing them every six months. I toss mine if they smell stale or if they really don't smell at all. One thing I love about Penzey's is how strong they are- a little goes a long way. Dollar store spices seem very bland in comparision.

Exactly what's going on in our house.

We do write on every jar when we opened it. It helps us a lot in the spice management at our house. We tend to keep things about 2-years. We pass a penzey's about once a week - so easy peasy to stop by if we need something!

 

[DisneyLoverUSA]

I usually use up my spices quickly and have never had any expire. I wouldn't waste a single dollar on that cheap crap the dollar store sells.

 

[ZehnJahren]

I buy only at the grocery store, but I keep spices way past the expiration date. If the spices start looking bland or the smell decreases, I'll toss them then. Since spices are typically dried already, they last a lot longer than the expiration date would lead you to believe.

Interestingly, I read an article about how foodstuffs are required to have an expiration date within two or three years after processing them, even if they won't be expired then. Something the government demands.

 

[JamesMom]

I have a Central Market about 20 minutes from me and they have a bulk spice bar. Central Market is well known for being very particular about freshness and quality. Every 3-6 months I stop by and load on spices. They have little 1/2 cup size ziplock bags that you spoon the spices into yourself from larger containers. Punch in the code on the scale and it is labeled with name, date, expiration date and price. Right before Christmas I bought some, here are sample amounts & prices (volume is approximate, sold by weight):

Whole Rosemary leaf (1/2 cup) $0.36
Seasoning Salt (1/2 cup) $0.90
Taco Seasoning (1/3 cup) $0.93 [a sample to try it out, should make 2 or 3 batches]
Onion Powder (1/4 cup) $0.72
Garlic Powder (1/4 cup) $0.78
Onion Flakes (1/4 cup) $0.42
Ground Cinnamon (1/4 cup) $0.40
A few tablespoons of nutmeg, parsely flakes and oregano are $0.50 each
A tablespoon or so of cumin, ground cloves, ginger for about $0.15 each.
And I got mulling spice to make a gallon of mulled apple cider for $1

I believe it is one this stores' best kept secrets!

 

[moonpie85]

Ok I feel like an idiot, I didn't know they expire! Hahaha

I just always open them before using and if they are all gunked together I toss them. My mom always told me to check them for bugs but I've yet to have that happen thankfully.

 

[mombrontrent]

I just checked my spices and there are no expiration dates on any of them maybe here in canada spices don't require a date. However whenever I open a new spice jar I always label it with the date I opened it. Most I use up before they need to be tossed but after 2-3 years I will toss the jar it it's still around. I buy all my spices at the grocery store ( I would never buy at the dollar store) and buy organic if it's available since it's usually only about $1 more per jar and a jar of spice goes along way.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

wow, I'm impressed that your husband cleaned out a cupboard.

I don't worry about the 6 month thing. I just ditch them when they hit the expire date. I use most of them up before that though.

I tend to only buy spices we use quite a bit and I get them at the grocery store.

 

[CaFeeney]

Big Penzy's fan here! We find that they have the most creative spice blends at really reasonable prices. If you have a store nearby it is definitely worth a stop by - I particularly love their Tuscan Sunset, Mural of Flavor, Baking Spice, and Florida Seasoned Pepper. They have an English Prime Rib Rub that is amazing. I mean - they actually have like 5 types of cinnamon...if you are a cook or baker you will go nuts at Penzys!

They also have gift sets that make a very different and special gift for teachers, friends, etc. I find the prices comparable to supermarket brands such as McCormick and I find the product much better quality.

The only thing I don't buy there is the vanilla as it is pretty expensive and I can get a big bottle at Costco for about $7

 

[Arabelle]

We try to keep up on ours. I love fresh spices!

 

[johnsontrio]

Big Penzy's fan here! We find that they have the most creative spice blends at really reasonable prices. If you have a store nearby it is definitely worth a stop by - I particularly love their Tuscan Sunset, Mural of Flavor, Baking Spice, and Florida Seasoned Pepper. They have an English Prime Rib Rub that is amazing. I mean - they actually have like 5 types of cinnamon...if you are a cook or baker you will go nuts at Penzys!

They also have gift sets that make a very different and special gift for teachers, friends, etc. I find the prices comparable to supermarket brands such as McCormick and I find the product much better quality.

The only thing I don't buy there is the vanilla as it is pretty expensive and I can get a big bottle at Costco for about $7

How do you use the Florida Season Pepper? We absolutely love chicken marinated in the Greek seasoning, mixed with equal parts olive oil, water and lemon juice. I tried the Florida Season Pepper the same way and didn't care for it. Help me out with a couple ways to use it, please..

 

[figment3258]

Op here thank you for your feedback. I think I will buy the brand ones and just focus on using them and not wasting. I think this year I will try o use more spices and make more homemade meals a win win all around.

 

[mrspaha]

I'm wondering about some of the references about spices bought at the Dollar Store -- what is different about them? I've never bought spices there, but I do buy spices at Aldis for, I think, $.99 -- like cinnamon and ground cumin. Is there something wrong with these cheaper brands? What about the spices at Walgreens? I think I bought some there several months ago, and as I recall they were about $.99 also.

 

[mhara]

I doubt there's anything inherently wrong with cheaper spices, but I'd be concerned about the age of Dollar Store/Eurosaver type, as I'd say that would be what would affect the quality.

I buy my spices in the asian deli, (much cheaper than Tescos!) & throw them if they look off-colour or don't smell as vibrant.

 

[CaFeeney]

How do you use the Florida Season Pepper? We absolutely love chicken marinated in the Greek seasoning, mixed with equal parts olive oil, water and lemon juice. I tried the Florida Season Pepper the same way and didn't care for it. Help me out with a couple ways to use it, please..

We put the Florida pepper on fish and veggies before baking or grilling, never tried to make a marinade with it. Give it another try!