Originally Posted By: Nicodemus
Regarding the idea of preparedness, cooking for yourself, and so on...

Does anyone know where I can find information on the shelf life of spices or how to store them long term? I've got hundreds of pounds of stored dried beans and grains, but they're really not much in the taste department without some good spices. Possum fat and squirrel meat can only do so much. LOL

The information would be appreciated.


McCormick Canada is the largest Spice, Dry Sauce & Seasoning, Extract, and Specialty foods operation in Canada and here is their advice.
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Do spices and herbs spoil?

Spices and herbs do not spoil, but they do lose their strength. Old seasonings will not flavour your meals the way they are intended to.

What is the shelf life of spices and herbs?

The shelf life of properly stored spices and herbs is approximately 3-4 years for whole spices and seeds, 2-3 years for ground spices, 1-3 years for leafy herbs, and 1-2 years for seasoning blends.

For more information please visit our School House Section.

Can I freeze spices and herbs?

Spices and herbs should not be stored in the freezer. Freezing does not extend the shelf life of regularly used dried spices and herbs. If stored in the freezer and repeatedly removed for use, the bottles may develop condensation, which can accelerate loss of flavour and aroma.

How can I preserve the flavour and quality of my spices and herbs?

Replace the lid on bottles right after use. Measure seasonings in a bowl and then add seasonings to the pot. Do not sprinkle spices and herbs directly from the bottle over a steaming pot. Steam introduced into a bottle will hasten the loss of flavour and aroma. Steam will also result in caking. Make sure the measuring spoon is completely dry when you dip it into the spice bottle. The added moisture may cause caking or flavour loss.


Also from them

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How fresh are your spices?


Check for these signs:

All recent Club House packaging reflects the current Club House logo (house with green leaves) as is shown throughout our site.
If your Club House spice bottle is glass, the spice is over 15 years old
If your Club House spice has a yellow cap and label, it is over 4 years old
If your Club House pepper has a white/cream cap, it is over 4 years old
If your Club House tin is larger than 2" tall (excluding ground black pepper), it is over 8 years old
If your Club House product does not have the Club House logo with a red and orange wave in the upper left corner, it is over 4 years old.
Product Expiry Guidelines

Your Club House products will deliver the best flavour if used within these guidelines.


Ground spices - 2 to 3 years
Whole spices - 4 years
Herbs: 1-3 years
Sesame Seeds & Poppy Seeds – 2 years
All other Seeds – 4 years
Spice Blends: 1-2 years
Pure vanilla extract: unlimited shelf life
All other pure and artificial extracts: 4 years
Gravy Mixes: 1-2 years
Seasoning Mixes/Packets: 1-2 years
Batters & Flours: 1-2 years
Wet marinades & sauces: 1-2 years