Spice Tips

How much should I Buy?

  A good rule of thumb is to buy a  one year's supply of herbs or ground spices,and a one to two year supply of whole spices. The government's giudeline for freshness dating is four year's for whole spices and two year,s for ground. Some people say six months is the the longest spices sholud be store,but most spices are havested only once a year,so it does not make sense to discard them every six months.  A top quality spice may be better

at years old than a low qualityspice at two months, When in doubt about a spice, just small it. If it smells strong and spicy,use it. If not, toss it.

How Should I Store them?

Spices must be store properly to maintain strong,fresh flavor. Heat,light,moisture and air all speed the loss of flavor and color. Do Not store your spices near a heat source:on top of the stove,dishwasher,refrigerator or microwave,or near the sink or a heating vent.The way to avoid light is to put the spices inside a cupboard or a drawer. If an open spice rack is being used,place it out of direct sunlight. Some folks say that all spices should

be stored in the refigerator or the freezer. Whole,crushed and ground chili peppers (including paprika,as well as sesame seed and poppy seed) will stay fresh and colorful longer in cool storge,especially in the summer months.