Ever wonder when following a recipe why you have to use twice as much (or more of a spice) than what the recipe calls for? Is it a bad recipe? You must like extra spice, right?
I just went through all my spice jars to get rid of all the ones that are old. Yes, spices do not last forever. They lose their flavor or taste off when you use them once they get old. Whole spices and seeds will last the longest up to 4 years. Ground spices can last 3-4 years and leafy spices only 1-2 years.
The best way to store your spices for the longest shelf life is to store them in air tight containers in a dark area. The two biggest reasons spices break down quickly are air and moisture. Thought storing your spices on the counter or in a cupboard over or near your stove may be convenient for you but will cut the shelf life of your spices by 50-75%. Also, storing them near the dishwasher or over the dishwasher is also not suggested. The steam emitted from the dishwasher can effect the spices just like the steam from the stove.
When measuring your spices don’t shake the jar over the cooking pot. Measure it away from the stove and moisture. If you measure by feel pour the spices into your hand and then add them to the dish. Keep the spices away from all moisture.
I spend quite a bit of money on my spices and I want them to stay fresh as long as possible and to not be throwing away my good money. Hope this helps you save some money too!
What's for Dinner Moms? 
This is awesome
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Thank you so very much.
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Thanks for the reminder. It just kills me to throw out spices. Especially the ones you bought for $5 that you have used once 5 years ago. As a fellow Cancer, I can hear you scolding me about how I claim I am always cleaning out my closets and pantry etc. 😦
My tip is to buy the bag spices in the Hispanic aisle for 99 cents and store them in your used spice containers.
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Ooo, I will have to look for those. I don’t think we have a Hispanic aisle but I use a TON of cumin.
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Super, Marci! What lovely spices you have, my dear 🙂
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Why thank you. 🙂
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I buy my spices in bulk. These are all great tips, thanks!
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I guess I should clarify: I buy them from the bulk aisle, but only enough for a small jar. 🙂
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🙂 You don’t get 1 lb of garlic powder?
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😀
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Great post!! reminds me how I so badly need to organise my spice rack:))
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Thank you!
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I live in the land of spices. You have hit the nail on the head. Nice. Jo 🙂
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Thank you so much!
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Thank you for sharing this! I have been looking for jars with lids of different shapes and sizes for our spices. I have a small kitchen,limited counter and cabinet space, so actually this morning I told my husband I might want him to make me a cabinet to hang on the wall to hold spices. 🙂
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A small cabinet would work. Just make sure it is out of direct sunlight and in a “dry” area.
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This is awesome!! Thank you for sharing this!
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Thank you so very much.
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I love your tips Marci!
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Thank you so much!
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Very nice Marci!
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Love this new series you’ve been doing! It’s super helpful. 🙂
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Thank you so very much!
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Super informative! Had no idea spices had shelf lives 🙂
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Lol, it took me years to find put why someone would say use a teaspoon of a spice and I would need a tablespoon or more. They don’t go bad but they lose their flavor. Unless they are near moisture and then they will mold. Thanks for reading!
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