Pantry organizing is my favorite project! The functionality and peace of mind that an organized pantry brings is amazing. Pantries are used multiple times a day and therefore should be at the top of all organizing to-do lists.
When organizing a pantry, I start by looking for expired foods and the number one location for expired products is the spice rack! The oldest spice I have found so far is 1996. Whoa! Just before tossing the outdated spice, I often hear “spices never expire.” Is this true? Can spices remain on the shelf indefinitely? If so, why do manufacturers even put an expiration date on the container?
Obviously, I had to do some research and the spice guru McCormick came through. The only seasonings that have an indefinite shelf life are salt and vanilla extract.
- Whole spices such as caraway seeds, allspice and peppercorns can remain for 3-4 years.
- Ground spices can stay in your pantry 2-4 years.
- Ground or whole leafy herbs can stick around 1-3 years.
So yes, spices expire. They lose their potency and flavor as they age. The best way to avoid a cabinet of aging spices is to use them! Create new and flavorful meals by thinking beyond just salt and pepper.
Take the weekend to cull through your spices. Pull out the expired, dumping the contents and reclining the containers. Also, remove the spices you never use. Replace expired and frequently used spices with new jars. Next, plan exciting meals for the coming week. Bon appetit!
