Have you ever made a favorite dish and it didn’t taste as good as you remember? You might have used all the correct ingredients, but what if the problem is with your spices? Just like other ingredients, spices can go bad. They might not spoil like milk, but they can lose their flavor and not work as well in your cooking.
Let’s find out how to check if your spices are still good and how to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
How to Check the Freshness of Your Spices
According to McCormick, if you’re unsure whether your spices are still good, there are a few ways to tell. The easiest way to check is by smelling them. Fresh spices should have a strong scent. If they don’t smell much, they might be too old. Also, look at the “best by” date on the container. This is a good guide to follow.
Most ground spices are good for 2 to 3 years, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), while whole spices can last up to 4 years. But remember, if your spices aren’t adding any flavor, they’re probably too old.
Always use clean measuring spoons with your spices to avoid adding germs to the container.
Image via McCormick