When does spice lose its spice?

January 3, 9:46 AMSoutheast MI Home & Living ExaminerJackie DiGiovanni

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Logo courtesy of Durkee 

Durkee's website shares how to tell when their product was manufactured:

How To Read The Durkee® Date Code

Example: 8C21B

Decoded:     8             C          21       B

                   Year        Month   Day    Shift

                   2008        March   21      Afternoon

Year:     The number represents the last digit of the year.

Month:  Letters of the alphabet represent the months - "A" for January and on through "L" for December.     

Day:      This number represents the day of the month the product was packed        

Shift:    This letter represents the shift on which product was packed         

Logo courtesy of McCormick 

McCormick spices have a "Best by" date on the jar. Or, you can enter the code from the bottom of the jar in the Fresh Tester on their website.

Logo courtesy of Spice Islands 

Spice Islands offers advice on storage:

Ground Spices       2-3 years

Whole Spices        3 -4 years

Herbs                    1-3 years

Seasoning Blends  1-2 years

Extracts                 4 years

Tips to Prolong Freshness
You can help prolong the flavor and aroma of herbs and spices with a few simple steps:

• Buy quality products—While all herbs and spices gradually lose their volatile oils over time, Spice Islands herbs and spices start with some of the highest volatile oil levels and therefore tend to retain their flavor longer.     

• Buy only as much as you’ll use—Purchasing small amounts more frequently ensures your herb and spice inventory will always be at its peak.

• Store herbs and spices properly—That stainless steel spice rack may look great on the counter, but the best place to store herbs and spices is in cool, dry surroundings, away from direct light, heat or humidity. Keep in an airtight container such as a glass jar and close tightly after each use.

• Don’t shake directly over a boiling pot—Moisture from rising steam may diminish the potency of the spice or herb remaining in the jar or cause clumping, particularly in garlic or onion. Pour a small amount into your hand or a ramekin and then add to dishes.

   

Logo courtesy of Mrs. Dash 

Mrs. Dash has a Best By date on the bottom of the jar.

Logo courtesy of Frontier Co-op 

Frontier Co-op spices are available at many groceries. The jar has a "use by" date on the label. Their website recommends:

Check your herbs and spices—and those you consider purchasing—to see that they look fresh, not faded, and are distinctly aromatic. Replace them as soon as you detect deterioration.

 

Whole Spices and Herbs:

Leaves and flowers                   1 to 2 years

Seeds and barks                      2 to 3 years