299342 Wed Dec 01 14:57:52 -0800 2004 4 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1657953 I have dried spices -- who doesn't? -- but they start to get drier and drier, and lose their flavour. Any ideas or suggestions? How long do dried spices last, retaining their potency? Does the method of storage -- jars versus original package -- make a difference? Any help appreciated. Wed Dec 01 14:57:52 -0800 2004 0 roy 1 1657958 It really depends on the spice or herb and how impervious the container is to light, heat and moisture. That being said, herbs have a shorter shelf life than spices. I'd say a half year for ideal flavor, and a year tops except for intense things like oregano (I have a container of Italian Seasoning from the late, great Sterns Pickles of Farmingdale, NY that lasted 25 years and still packs a vigorous aroma). Now, mild herbs may still have a lot of flavor after a year, but many might be losing parts of the balance of their flavors; get the idea? The way you can tell is to compare the old stuff with its replacement: smell and taste. Ground spices are next, and whole spices and seeds thereafter. Figure not more than two years, with a year for ideal flavor. Also, either replace your stuff all at once and note the date near the spices, or date the stuff as you buy it. It helps for sanity. It also helps to buy smaller quantities for most stuff: most people are not running restaurants where bulk pricing makes sense in terms of quality. Wed Dec 01 15:22:29 -0800 2004 1657953 0 Karl S. 2 1657962 To add to Karl's good advice, don't store them above a stove, in front of a window, on or above a refrigerator, or anywhere else they will be exposed to a lot of light and heat. I keep all my spices and herbs in a dark pantry in jars like the ones below from IKEA. Image: http://www.ikea-usa.com/PIAimages/19625_PE104932_S3.jpg Wed Dec 01 15:38:21 -0800 2004 1657958 0 Chris VR 1 1658228 Try toasting them a little in a dry frying pan before using. I've tried this with stale dried herbs and it got me by, until I could buy a fresh supply. Sat Dec 04 11:09:47 -0800 2004 1657953 0 Pat Hammond 1 1658249 One of the more helpful things I've learned is to buy spices that I don't use frequently at a health-food store. They almost always have bulk spices, so you can buy as much (or as little) as you want, and its cheaper since you don't pay for packaging! Sat Dec 04 18:18:04 -0800 2004 1657953 0 mbb