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HERBS & SPICES: STORAGE & TIPS
If you're not sure whether your herbs and spices are stale or still good to use:
Look at the color. Is it still rich and vibrant? If it looks faded and old, it probably is.
Crush or rub the herbs and spices between your fingers. Is the smell strong like it should be? Is it weak or musty smelling? If the smell has lost its punch, the herb or spice is likely too old to cook with. If it still smells pretty good (just not as strong as it should), simply use more than the recipe calls for (test to determine how much more).
Taste it. If there's no taste to it, it's old and not worthwhile to cook with.
Is it clumpy? Chances are moisture got into the container and flavor may be reduced. You can break apart the clumps and use the spice or herb if the taste is still good.
HOW LONG CAN HERBS & SPICES BE STORED?
Spices don't spoil or go bad, but they do lose strength. Here's a general guideline for storing your herbs and spices.
Whole Spices & Seeds: 3 to 4 years
Ground Spices: 2 to 3 years
Leafy Herbs: 1 to 3 years
Seasoning blends: 1 to 2 years
STORAGE TIPS:
Keep herbs and spices in a cool, dark location. Don't store spice racks above or near the kitchen stove, as the heat affects their quality.
If you buy in bulk, portion them into small spice bottles for ease of use, then store the rest in individual ziploc bags (keeping them in their original packaging), removing as much air as possible. Then stack them in a solid plastic container (such as Rubbermaid) with a tight fitting lid. Refill your small bottles as needed from this supply.
You can refrigerate paprika, cayenne and chili powder to prolong their flavor and freshness.
Keep herbs and spices dry. Don't dip into the bottle with a wet measuring spoon, and don't hold the bottle near steam.
Great tips. Here's what I do to mine since I live in a highly humid area... after I open and use the spices I seldom use, I seal with plastic wrap like Saran or such before putting the top on, and then I put them in the door of the freezer. I also DATE the bottom of the container as I can never remember how long I've had them!!! lol
I grow a lot of my own herbs and spices, got tired of high prices! After i've dried them I fill a pint canning jar with each and freeze the rest.
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