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I took out all my spices and went thru them. Good grief! When I tossed all the containers that the contents were stuck together, and the ones that were expired (some since 2007- can't remember the last time I used it), and the jars of evaporated extract, I was left with a half empty cabinet! I have one of the holders that looks like steps, and now it looks great!

guess I should try to clean it out maybe once a year? LOL.
When's the last time you cleaned out your spices?

Holly

You're suppose to clean them out???/ OhOh

I transfer new spices into older containers....is this a problem? However, I am sure there are probably some older spices in the cabinet. We received new ones as a gift. We're ready to grow some more of our own this coming summer.

Regularly.

Spices should be replaced one a year. I buy 99% of my spices, herbs, etc. from Penzey's. www.penzeys.com

Some I use quite a bit of and purchase in bags...pour into my spice jar and store the rest of the bag in the freezer to pull out and refill the jar as needed.

When I move... Oye, I had better get with it.

Unless I use something A LOT -- I buy the smallest quantity I can. And yes, every January I go through and clean out my spices -- it may seem like a waste of money but old spices have no flavor and therefore the dish doesn't taste right -- that to me is a waste of money!

And I must admit that I try to stay away from dishes that use a "strange" spice that I know will only be used in that dish -- for it's a waste to spend a couple of $ for a teaspoon of something.

Of course, with herbs, I use fresh from the garden and lacking those (basil in winter for example) I buy them fresh from the market.

Martha

I usually go through them once/year...a friend who has allergy issues says she replaces alllll her spices every six months!

I don't have a set time like Martha does because I buy spices throughout the year. I write the date received on the label and use that for my guideline.

unless mine are actually moldy or visibly "bad" I use them up. Mostly spices lose their punch over time so if its an old box, I just use more.

That stuff is spendy..

I don't use that many different spices anyway, so a lot gets used up in a year.

quote:

Originally posted by KeepYouInStitches:
Regularly.

Spices should be replaced one a year. I buy 99% of my spices, herbs, etc. from Penzey's. www.penzeys.com

Some I use quite a bit of and purchase in bags...pour into my spice jar and store the rest of the bag in the freezer to pull out and refill the jar as needed.

I love Penzey's, they have the best spices.

Penzy's is THE BEST and we're fortunate to have a store in KC! And price wise they are not that more expensive than the grocery store brands!

Martha

Many spices are less expensive at Penzey's! And they are hands down fresher!!!

Grocery stores do not throw away year old spices. No telling how old they are when you purchase them...a year or two...

I opened a jar of Penzey's cinnamon...stepdaughter was in the dining room and commented on the cinnamon aroma. You don't get that from store bought cinnamon.

You can't justify buying one spice from Penzey's because of the shipping. Many times they have free shipping over $35 or so. Even if you have to pay shipping for several items, the price is still fairly comparable with grocery store...the quality can't be beat unless you travel the world and harvest your own.