Will Spices Go Bad?

Kindi Lantz November 27, 2024

In almost every household, there is a spice cabinet or drawer containing a plethora of herbs and spices waiting to uplift the flavor and aroma of lovingly prepared dishes. Sadly, amongst those jars and shakers are ingredients that have moved far past their prime. Most spices do not “go bad” per se—that is, in their dehydrated versions, they aren’t likely to mold or acquire ailment-causing bacteria—but they can lose their potency and become void of flavor, aroma, and nutrients.

Having a deeper understanding of a given spice’s shelf life, its dominant flavor and aroma traits, and how they should be stored will better prepare you for creating dishes with optimum flavor. Let’s learn how to keep your spices from “going bad” and how to tell if they are past their prime!

Understanding The Shelf-Life of Spices

Ground vs whole spices

When it comes to spices in our pantry, they will usually be dehydrated and come in two ways: ground or whole (of course, fresh spices can also be sourced but we’ll save that conversation for another day). Pre-ground spices are extremely convenient but it is important to note that the oils that contribute to the flavor and aroma will begin to release far faster once the spice has been grated or ground. If you won’t be using your spices immediately, we recommend buying whole spices and grinding them right before adding them to your dish.

Factors that affect the shelf-life of a spice

Different spices have different shelf lives, but some can last up to several years. Whether or not yours will last that long will depend on several factors beyond whether or not they are whole or pre-ground. It’s important to consider, how and where they are being stored, whether or not the seal has been broken, the temperature and humidity of where they are being stored, and the product label’s recommended “best by” date.

Exposing your spices to light, heat, air, and moisture is the fastest way to accelerate their degradation. For best results, do not break the seal before you are ready to use them and, once opened, store them in an airtight container in a cool, low-humidity pantry, cupboard, or drawer, away from direct sunlight.

How To Tell If Your Spices Are Past Their Prime

In order to tell if your spices are past their prime, it’s important to understand what they are supposed to taste, look, and smell like to begin with!

Check the appearance of your spices

Start by looking at your spices. Do they appear dull in color? Have they lost their sheen? Spices should not be muted in tone. For instance, saffron should exude a deep cardinal hue, green cardamom should be green, not the color of straw, and star anise should somewhat glisten with an oily sheen. If the color is faded or they look dull, they aren’t an optimum choice for flavoing food.

Check the flavor and aroma of your spices

Checking the appearance of your spices is just the first step. As we’ve all been taught, “looks can be deceiving”, so the next step is to investigate the flavor and aroma of your spices. Start by grinding or crushing the spice in question. First, smell it to see if it released its distinct aroma. Next, give the spice a taste. If it is void of aroma and puts off a very mild or non-existent flavor, it’s time to replace that ingredient.

How Often Should Spices Be Replaced

Generally speaking, spices will last about a year or more. However, whole spices, stored in optimal conditions may last even longer. We recommend organizing your spices, keeping track of expiration dates, and checking flavor, aroma, and appearance periodically. Doing so will ensure you get the flavor and aroma experience you deserve when including spices in your culinary feats.

While spices don’t necessarily “go bad” in the traditional sense, their quality does diminish over time. By storing them properly and choosing whole spices when possible, you can keep your spices fresh and flavorful for much longer, enhancing every dish you make. Check your spice periodically. Should you find that some of yours are past their prime, visit our online spice shop to find a high-quality replacement