Did you know? Spices have a short life.

Did you know that spices loose their flavor over time?

In the back of my pantry I have a few spices and dried herbs that, I admit, have been sitting there for some time. Where spices and dried herbs do not spoil, they do loose their flavor and potency over time. I started purchasing mine in smaller quantities from the bulk section at Central Market and storing them in my own containers. This way I get the most flavorful addition to my dishes.

If you store your spices and herbs in a cool dry place (such as a pantry) in air tight containers they should keep for a few years. Spices keep up to four years when they are whole and you grind them yourself.  If you purchase them ground, they only keep for two, maybe three years.  A ground spice releases the oils responsible for its flavor and aroma so they have a shorter shelf life. Most dry herbs last between one and two years. Remember, spices and herbs won't spoil they just loose the color, flavor and aroma over time.