Storing Your Spices, Herbs and Seasonings

The flavor and aroma of most spices, herbs and seasonings is imparted by the essential oils contained in them.  Essential oils are volatile and over time will evaporate.  As a result, during prolonged storage, spices and herbs loose much of their flavor.  Here are some storage tips, which will help keep your spices and herbs fresh. 

Whole herbs and spices last much longer than crushed or ground.  Many people prefer to buy their spices and herbs whole and crush or grind them as needed.  Herbs and spices can be crushed with a mortar and pestle, or a coffee grinder.  We recommend you check your ground spices and herbs for freshness at least once a year.  If no aroma is detected, they need to be replaced.  Check the color of your Paprika, and Turmeric and replace these if they have faded. 

Spices and herbs should be kept in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, dark place.  Screw-cap containers are better than flip-top containers, because they can be more tightly sealed.  Always keep your spices, herbs and seasonings away from heat. Do not store them near a dishwasher or refrigerator.  While more convenient, storing them near your range is not recommended.  Heat, air, and light will cause the essential oils in the products to evaporate more quickly.   Store your herbs and spices away from moisture, which causes caking and loss of quality.  

Do not store your spices and herbs in a window or in sunlight.  Spice racks are nice, but not the best way to store your spices unless they are in a cabinet or closet.  We recommend you refrigerate your cayenne pepper, chili powders, paprika and turmeric to retain color longer.

If stored correctly, your spices and herbs should remain fresh for the following periods of time:

• Whole Spices - 2 to 5 years
• Ground Spices - 6 months to 2 years
• Whole Leafy Herbs - 1 year
• Ground Leafy Herbs - 3 months to 2 years
• Dehydrated vegetables - 6 months

Tip:

Make a note of the date of purchase on the label; then check them once a year and replace as needed.

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Conni & Greg Van Gompel Ind Watkins Reps 133975

952-447-0276  cgvangompel@gmail.com   www.jrwatkins.com/consultant/vangompel‎