Indian cuisine is known for spices and the richness in their flavours. Many spices like cinnamon, cardamom, dry ginger, turmeric and so on are known for their medicinal properties. Hence, they not only add flavour to the food but boost your health at the same time.
Many common spices and herbs, such as cloves, turmeric, rosemary, sage, and cinnamon, have demonstrated potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as per research. The most underrated job of spices is to keep your food from spoilage and add colour to your health promoting dishes.
All the edible products have an expiration date. Even vegetables, fruits and dairy products have a shelf life. But the expiry date of spices is seldom talked about. Do spices have expiry dates?
To get understand this, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Sangeeta Tiwari, Clinical Nutritionist, Artemis Lite, New Friends Colony, New Delhi.
Do Spices Expire?
Answering the question of whether spices expire, Dr Tiwari said, “Yes, spices do have a shelf life and can expire. Most people believe that since spices are non perishable, they don't expire and continue to use them even after their shelf life, which might be harmful.”
Adding further, she said, “While they don't necessarily go bad in the same way as perishable foods, they lose their potency over time, resulting in diminished flavour. So it's important to pay attention to the flavour. If it's diminishing, then the spices might have expired and you must stop using them.”
Also read: Immunity-Boosting Kitchen Spices To Combat Cold Symptoms
How To Understand If They’ve Expired?
According to Dr Tiwari, when spices expire, they typically lose their vibrant colour and aromatic smell. If the spice appears dull, faded, or has developed clumps, it's likely past its shelf life. Furthermore, if you notice a lack of aroma when you open the container, it's a sign that the spice has lost its potency.
While explaining how much time do spices remain fresh, Dr Tiwari said, the freshness of spices varies depending on its type. “Ground spices typically last for about 1-3 years, while whole spices can retain their flavour for 3-4 years or more if they are stored properly in a cool, dark place.”
When To Toss Them?
To keep the spices fresh, Dr Tiwari recommended to replace the ground spices in every one to three years and whole spices in every three to four years. “Make sure that you check the aroma, colour, and taste of your spices on a regular basis to ensure that they are still potent,” she added.
Also read: From Turmeric To Black Pepper, Indian Spices And Their Health Benefits
Tips For Maximising The Flavour Of Spices
In order to maximise the flavour of spices, store them in air tight containers away from heat, light and moisture. Additionally, grind whole spices just before using them to have an absolutely fresh taste. Dr Tiwari said, “Toasting spices briefly in a dry skillet can also enhance their flavour. You can also try experimenting with combining different spices to create unique flavour profiles. Most importantly, keep in mind that a little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste.”