How Long Do Spices Last

Spices are not as good as they sound.
They can last longer than you think but they can lose their potency very quickly.
It’s true that cooking time is more important than shelf life but what goes into your food matters as well.
That’s why spices should be stored properly. And you should avoid storing them for long periods in the same cabinet.
The first thing to check when you open your spice cabinet is the expiration date.
If it’s past that mark, it’s time to toss it. But some spices aren’t going anywhere and can stay for years, even decades.
Here’s what you need to know about how long do spices last.

1) Cinnamon

Cinnamon is the number one spice that keeps on lasting.
People buy cinnamon for the aroma, and that is just what it does.
It smells amazing and adds a sweet flavor to foods.
While cinnamon is made up of the spices cinnabar, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and cassia, they all work together to keep cinnamon in prime condition.
Cinnamon’s volatile oils are a major part of its longevity.

2) Black Pepper

Like cinnamon, black pepper is an essential ingredient to many dishes.
Many people believe that pepper has the ability to add flavor and aroma to any dish.
It also helps to control oxidation.
Oxidation is a process that occurs in the presence of oxygen, which causes flavors to deteriorate.
Pepper prevents this from happening, keeping your ingredients flavorful.
The reason pepper lasts so long is due to its oil.

3) Paprika

Paprika is another essential ingredient. It is used in cooking for a variety of purposes.
However, it’s the paprika that lasts the longest. The compound that gives paprika its flavor is a liquid, called capsaicin.
Capsaicin is the main component that makes peppers hot. This gives your food its flavor.
Capsaicin is what also allows paprika to keep for so long.
Because of the capsaicin, your spices last.

4) Allspice

Allspice is a blend of several different spices that are all native to the West Indies.
Allspice’s flavor is quite strong, so a little goes a long way. One of the most important things about allspice is that it’s one of the few spices that actually improves with age.
The oil content of allspice helps it last for so long.

5) Cloves

Cloves are another spice that is not very expensive. They are very versatile and can be added to a lot of dishes.
The oil in cloves is what helps them last for so long.

6) Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the most expensive spices available. However, its popularity has increased exponentially in recent years.
The main reason turmeric is so popular is because of its medicinal properties.
It is often used in alternative medicine for everything from treating cancer to boosting the immune system.
The oil in turmeric, called curcumin, is what helps it last for so long.

7) Nutmeg

Nutmeg has a unique smell that is hard to describe.
People can’t stop talking about it.
There’s something about nutmeg that is truly unforgettable.
Nutmeg has a high oil content, which means it will keep for a very long time.
The most important part of nutmeg is the oil, which also gives it a delicious scent.

8) Ginger

Ginger is another spice with a lot of versatility.
It can be added to both savory and sweet dishes.
It’s also one of the most popular spices in the world.
The main reason ginger has such a wide appeal is because of its flavor.
The compounds in ginger help it last for so long.

9) Coriander

The spice coriander is another very popular and versatile ingredient.
It’s one of the first spices people use when they’re adding a kick to their dish.
The oil in coriander is what helps it last so long.

10) Cardamom

Cardamom is a very popular spice in India.
It is used in a lot of different dishes. It also has a strong fragrance.
Cardamom also has health benefits.
The oil in cardamom is what helps it last for so long.