{"id":7,"date":"2021-07-14T11:14:11","date_gmt":"2021-07-14T11:14:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.saltsup.com\/?p=7"},"modified":"2022-03-30T20:26:37","modified_gmt":"2022-03-30T20:26:37","slug":"spices-go-bad-true-or-sophisticated-myth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/saltsup.com\/blog\/spices-go-bad-true-or-sophisticated-myth\/","title":{"rendered":"Spices go bad: True or sophisticated Myth?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Preface<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The signs of dwindling spice<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Use your eyes to evaluate the color of the spice<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Use your nose and search for the aroma<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Use your tastebuds: essential oils are the key<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, how long can I keep ground spices?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What about my dried, whole friends?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

– How to balance using a whole spice and not lose out on its aroma<\/a>Let\u2019s move onto preservation of herbs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Ground herbs: grind size matters<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Fresh herbs are fresh until they not<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Storage: Dried herbs and spices<\/a> <\/a>Final thoughts about how long herbs stay fresh<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shop now!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Spices go bad: True or sophisticated Myth?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no doubt that no kitchen is complete without as many spices<\/a><\/strong> as you can possibly fit into your cupboards or your pantry. 
Fresh, frozen, or dried, these little sprinklings of stardust bring so much flavor to the dishes we\u2019re cooking at home that you\u2019d be crazy to attempt to make stunning food without them. Granted, that sounds a little obvious, but how much attention are you really paying to what you\u2019re putting in your recipes<\/a><\/strong>?
How long has that parsley been sitting in your refrigerator just waiting to be used? Or how long has that cayenne pepper<\/a><\/strong> you keep meaning to add to your chilis been caught at the back of the cupboard? 
Like most people, the answer is probably too long. After all, some of us just don\u2019t have the time to use everything up while it\u2019s all still in date. As frustrating as it is at times, life just somehow manages to find a way to keep us busy. 
What\u2019s even more annoying is that there\u2019s no real date on exactly when most spices go bad. Sure, it can be easier to spot when fresh basil loses its vibrant green color but what about dried oregano? Unless you\u2019re some kind of freakishly eagle-eyed expert, it\u2019s pretty much impossible to tell. 
Well, almost <\/em>impossible to tell. Luckily for you, there are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when it comes to judging just how fresh your herbs are. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The signs of dwindling spice<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Use your eyes to evaluate color of spice<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You won\u2019t always be able to tell whether or not some of your ground spices are expiring just by looking<\/a><\/strong> at them but that doesn\u2019t mean you shouldn\u2019t at least try. 
Paprika is always the easiest. That lovely deep rich color can fade into a far more pale imitation and you know that the end is nigh when that happens. 
Once it loses its color, the fragments of fragrant fuel you\u2019re looking for won\u2019t be far behind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use your nose and search for the aroma<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ground spices within their sell-by dates will always smell fragrant<\/a><\/strong> or pungent, depending on whatever it is you plan to use. Indeed, if that chili<\/a><\/strong> powder doesn\u2019t tickle your nostrils when you take a whiff, it\u2019s probably coming towards the end of the time it deserves to sat taking up space in your cupboard<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use your tastebuds: essential oils are the key<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ok, so this is sounding a little like a science lesson now and nobody needs that. 
However, if you\u2019re not picking up any problems through the medium of sight and smell but you\u2019re still unsure and something doesn\u2019t feel right, have a taste. 
For example, grab a pinch of those cumin seeds that have lingering around for a while and smash them in your hands. Sure, it feels a little barbaric, but what you\u2019re looking for here are the essential oils<\/strong><\/a>. 
If you can bring those out of your dried spices, you\u2019re onto a winner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: Fresh herbs and spices are obviously much easier to judge. Still, it\u2019s important to point out the tips and tricks you can use to make sure you\u2019re not ruining that lovely dish you\u2019ve spent hours cooking. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n