Proper storage prolongs their flavor, but even the best herbs and spices won't last forever.

You searched for the finest cuts at your local meat counter, visited the farmer's market for garden-fresh produce and picked just the right wine to accompany your feast.

So why lay all your careful efforts to waste by using old herbs and spices? At best, the outcome will be bland; at worst, they could add an unpleasant or bitter taste and ruin the entire meal.

Tucked away in your pantry or spice rack, it’s easy to forget these trusted cooking companions only retain their flavor and aroma for so long.

Check for Freshness by Date
How long should you keep herbs and spices? Check the chart below for helpful guidelines:

You may also click here to check the freshness of any Spice Islands product by entering the Registration codes from the bottle.

Check for Freshness Using Your Senses
Another way to test for freshness is to use your eyes and nose to inspect herbs and spices before use.

Look at the color:

• Green, leafy herbs will often fade in color as they age.
• Different herbs vary in color and should not always be compared against each other. For example, tarragon is naturally greener in color than rosemary. Additionally, Spice Islands dill weed contains the flower portion for added flavor, giving it a more yellow color than dill weed sans flowers.
• Red spices such as paprika, red pepper and chili powder will turn brown in color.

Smell the aroma:

• Place a small amount of the spice or herb in your palm, and gently rub with your thumb.
• If the aroma is not rich, full and immediate, the spice or herb has probably lost much of its potency.
• Whole spices such as peppercorns and cinnamon sticks have a protective outer coating and will not release their full fragrance until broken or crushed. Carefully scrape them with a knife or grater before testing.
• Train your sense of smell by comparing the smell of a freshly purchased spice or herb to that which you've stored for a year or more to see the difference.

If in Doubt, Throw it Out
Even the most frugal chefs recognize that ounce for ounce, herbs and spices are one of the least expensive ingredients in any entrée, yet add much of the flavor and excitement.

If there's any question as to the freshness of the herbs and spices in your pantry, throw them out and buy new—period.

Tips to Prolong Freshness
You can help prolong the flavor and aroma of herbs and spices with a few simple steps:

• Buy quality products—While all herbs and spices gradually lose their volatile oils over time, Spice Islands herbs and spices start with some of the highest volatile oil levels and therefore tend to retain their flavor longer.
• Buy only as much as you’ll use—Purchasing small amounts more frequently ensures your herb and spice inventory will always be at its peak.
• Store herbs and spices properly—That stainless steel spice rack may look great on the counter, but the best place to store herbs and spices is in cool, dry surroundings, away from direct light, heat or humidity. Keep in an airtight container such as a glass jar and close tightly after each use.
• Don’t shake directly over a boiling pot—Moisture from rising steam may diminish the potency of the spice or herb remaining in the jar or cause clumping, particularly in garlic or onion. Pour a small amount into your hand or a ramekin and then add to dishes.