In the kitchen and in all recipes, spices are essential. Sweet or spicy, they enhance our preparations from starters to desserts, including sauces and condiments. These aromatic substances of plant origin come from various parts of plants, such as flowers, bark, buds, roots, seeds and leaves, and are ideal allies for seasoning, flavoring and preserving food.
Spices, imperishable?
The good news is that spices do not expire in the sense that they become dangerous to your health. However, over time, they lose their flavor and potency. So, while they do not become harmful, it is best to use them within 1 to 4 years of purchase to get the most out of their flavor and aroma. Spices do not have an expiration date, but are subject to a best-before date (BBD) of 36 months, reserved for products that are not very perishable. After this time, certain volatile compounds escape and the spice loses its potency. To determine if your spices are a little too old, trust your senses: you will notice signs of deterioration, such as a loss of color, a loss of aroma or even a loss of taste, which will give you a good indication of their condition.
How to store spices properly
This shelf life also depends on the harvest date of our spices, information that is sometimes difficult to find in supermarkets. Therefore, it is best to buy small quantities that you can use quickly. You can also choose whole spices, such as cinnamon sticks or coriander seeds, which retain their flavor longer than ground spices. You can grind them yourself as needed. It goes without saying that your spices will last much longer if they are stored correctly. So keep them in airtight containers, preferably away from light, heat and humidity.
By following these tips, you can maximize the freshness of your spices and enjoy them for years to come!
