The Pioneer Woman isn't shy about cooking with spices. In fact, Ree Drummond's pantry is stocked to the brim with all sorts of spice jars for her cooking on the ranch. But imagine choosing that perfect recipe for your family dinner only to realize that it calls for a handful of spices you haven't used in years. That raises the question: Do spices actually go bad? And if so, how long do spices last?
The answer isn't so cut and dry. All spices can lose their freshness over time, which means losing their flavor potency, too. They won't go bad in the same way that cheese gets moldy, so how can you tell if your spices have gone bad? The best test you can do is to open the jar and take a good whiff. Do they smell fragrant? If they just smell like nothing, or only smell very faintly, then it's probably time to toss them.
Of course, there are other guidelines you can follow depending on the type of spice. And before you organize your pantry, consider additional tips for refreshing your spice drawer and what to do with old spices instead of simply tossing them. Then, go forth and cook knowing you're using the best spices for all of Ree's recipes!
How Long Do Spices Last?
Shelf life depends on the type of spice it is and how it is processed.
- Ground and whole herb leaves (like parsley, oregano, and dill) will last you one to three years.
- Ground spices (like chili powder and paprika) typically last anywhere from two to four years.
- Whole spices (like allspice or peppercorns) can last three to four years, since their fragrant oils will stay intact longer.
If all else fails, follow the expiration date listed on the jar! While spices can still be good past that day, it's still good guidance since you probably don't know how old it was when you bought it or when you bought it in the first place. Do you put your spices in new jars when you get home? No problem! Use a label maker to mark the expiration date on the bottom, so you'll always have it on hand.
When to Throw Out Spices
As mentioned before, do the smell test and check the expiration dates first to determine if you need a new batch of spices. If you know you've had the spices for five years or more, then you should definitely treat your pantry to some fresh ones. To make it more budget friendly, replace as you make new meals. Double check your pantry as you write your grocery list, so it's more economical and nothing goest to waste. Spices can get pricey!
What to Do With Expired Spices
Of course, you can just toss your spices and recycle the jars. But since "bad" spices are simply just less potent, they can still be good for other things. Here are some ideas:
- Make potpourri: Use the scents to your advantage and fill your home with either a dried potpourri blend or simmer potpourri on the stove.
- Freshen up your carpet: Before you vacuum, you can sprinkle some of you favorite scents on your carpet to help refresh your space. Think: rosemary and lavender, for instance. Try and avoid powdered spices that might stain, though.
- Sprinkle them in your garden: Peppery spices (red pepper, cayenne) can help keep critters like rabbits out of your garden, while cinnamon can be a natural fungicide. Other leafy spices like thyme and oregano make excellent compost, helping your plants grow stronger.
How to Organize Spices
The rule of thumb for organizing spices is to make them as visible and accessible as you can, given the space you have in your home. If you have a drawer, you can lay them label side up, so you can easily read and grab. You can also claim some wall space and hang a rack or designate a shelf and use stacked shelving units to maximize the space. Lastly, if you have counter space, a lazy susan or standing spice rack is perfect for everyday jars like salt and pepper.
In terms of what spices should go where, there are a few schools of thought. You could alphabetize them so you know to look at the front for basil and at the back for za'atar. Otherwise, you could put your favorites at the front and leave the occasional spices for the back. You could also separate savory and sweet, placing the common cooking spices on one shelf and more common baking spices on another. The choice is yours based on how you cook in the kitchen!
