Shelf Life

2-3 years

3-4 years

1-2 years

1-3 years

4 years, except pure vanilla, which lasts
indefinitely

Experts Recommend the Following Tips:

• Check to see that the color of your spices and herbs is vibrant.
If the color has faded, chances are so has the flavor.

• Rub or crush the spice or herb in your hand. If the aroma is weak
and flavor is not apparent, it's time to replace it.

• Store herbs and spices in a tightly capped container, and keep
away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Replace bottle lids
tightly immediately after use.

• To minimize moisture and caking, use a dry measuring spoon and
avoid sprinkling directly into a steaming pot.

• Check the freshness date on the bottom or right side of the bottle
to help keep track of when it's time to T.O.S.S.

Storage? Herbs & spices should be stored
in a cool, dry place, away from the exposure
to heat, moisture & direct sunlight. Therefore,
you should avoid storing products over the
stove, dishwasher, sink or near a window.

Is it Fresh? There are three ways to
determine whether spices & herbs are
fresh: appearance, smell, and taste.
Visually, you can check your spices
& herbs to make sure that their color
has not faded. Loss of color is an
indication of flavor loss. A fragrant,
intense aroma is characteristic of fresh
spices & herbs. Crush the spices &
herbs in your hand. If you do not smell
the aroma, or if you taste them & the
flavor is not apparent, it's time to replace
your spices & herbs.

Differences? Spices & herbs are aromatic natural
products that are used to flavor food. Spices are
the dried seeds, buds, fruit or flower parts, bark,
or roots of plants, usually of tropical origin. Herbs
are the leaves & sometimes the flowers of plants,
usually grown in a climate similar to the
Mediterranean.

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