Culinary Quickies: Spices and Condiments
Reader Question:
How long do spices last?
Answer:
This is a very common question and there are a few different answers. Ground spices will lose their potency quickly and should be tossed after six months. Whole spices can last up to five years in tightly sealed jars or containers. Dried herbs are another story. They can last a little longer than dried spices but not by much. Again, dried whole herbs will last longer than ground herbs. A great way to test is to take some of the dried herb or spice between your fingers and rub them together. If there is a strong smell of the herb or spice you are good to go. If you can’t smell anything, the dried herbs or spices are probably past their shelf life. A good habit to start is checking your spices about every six months. Go through the spice rack/cabinet and toss out anything that has lost its potency or tastes off. To extend the life of spices and herbs some people freeze them. This can expose them to moisture, though, so you need to check to make sure they don’t go moldy.
Reader Question:
How long do condiments last in the fridge?
Answer:
It actually depends on the condiment. Ketchup, chili sauce and cocktail sauce can last up to six months in the refrigerator. Mustard will last up to 12 months. Commercially made mayonnaise will keep unopened in the pantry for three months past its best-by date if stored properly. Once opened mayonnaise should be refrigerated and will keep for up to two months. Homemade mayonnaise will keep in the refrigerator for only one week and should be thrown away past that point.
Pickles also have a shelf life. Unopened pickles in most cases will keep for up to two years past the posted date on the jar. Once they are opened however they only last about two to three months in the refrigerator. Jam and jellies don’t last forever either. Store bought jam and jelly will last up to a year unopened in the pantry but should be used within two to three months after being opened and should be stored in the refrigerator. Homemade jam and jelly that has been canned using a water bath can be stored in the pantry for up to two years but should be refrigerated and used within two to three months once open. A good general rule of thumb is if you can’t remember when you opened or last used a condiment, be safe and toss it. Smell it, and if it smells bad, toss it. Use your eyes; if a condiment looks funky, toss it. If you know you are not going to use that jumbo sized container from the wholesale store don’t buy it – you will end up tossing it. Another good habit is to go through the condiments in your fridge every three months or so, that way you can ensure you are not keeping them past their usable life. Wondering how to remember when to check? Write the date on the container with a permanent marker or mark it in your calendar.
To submit a question please email Shoshana at: foodeditor@unorthoboxed.com
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