Herbs & Spices

Some companies tell you that herbs and spices can last 2-3 years....but actually, if the color has faded and the smell is not strong, you can bet your herbs & spices are not as potent.

They are not dangerous to use, you just need to use much more of them to come up to the flavor of the fresher product.

BTW, here are the definitions of herbs & spices, though most people consider the terms herbs & spices interchangeably.

* Herbs are usually the dried version of the green leafy part of a plant, such as basil, rosemary, sage, oregano, tarragon, coriander, bay leaf, chervil, dill, fennel, etc. Of course, herbs can also be used when fresh.

Dried herbs lose their flavor faster than spices.

* Spices come from the fruit, seed or bark or the ground up dried roots of a plant such as cinnamon, cumin, allspice, cloves, cardamon, powdered ginger, peppercorns (black, white, green, pink or red), celery seed, mace, sesame seed, vanilla, saffron, etc.

Spices can last somewhat longer than herbs.

Keeping your herb & spices fresher longer:

* Check to see if the color of your herbs & spices is bright. If the color has faded, so has the flavor

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

* Store herbs & spices in a tightly capped container and keep away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight. Replace bottle lids tightly right after using

* To minimize moisture and caking use a dry measuring spoon or sprinkle first on your hand. Never sprinkle directly over a steaming pot

* Check the freshness date on the bottom or side of the bottle to help keep track of when it's time toss

Following this thread, here is a list of most herbs & spices you're likely to emcounter:

Allspice

Ancho Chile

Anise

Basil

Bay Leaves

Black Peppercorns

Caraway Seed

Cardamom

Celery Seed

Chervil

Chipotle

Chile Chives

Cilantro

Cinnamon

Cloves

Coriander

Cumin

Dill

Fennel

Ginger

Green Peppercorns

Mace

Marjoram

Mint

Mustard

Nutmeg

Oregano

Paprika

Parsley

Pink Peppercorns

Poppy Seed

Red Peppercorns

Rosemary

Saffron

Sage

Savory

Sesame Seed

Tarragon

Thyme

Turmeric

Vanilla

White Peppercorns

(c)Sonia Martinez

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