Spices

[tp4tissue]

You know, they sit on the rack for a LONG time.

But how long are they really good for ? /Conspiracy here.

[fohat.digs]

Real problem for me.

Living alone, it takes months or years to use up even a modest-sized jar of spice. I'm sure that most of the spices in my cabinet have lost a significant portion of their mojo.

[Findecanor]

The rate of oxidation and depletion is relative to surface area. Always buy whole spices and grind them yourself as late as possible.

[noisyturtle]

Basically all dried spices will last 2-3 years in a cool dark dry place
Get a fresh rotation every 3 years you are golden, anything I get is used up long before that so it is a non-issue. Rotate every year for stronger flavors, as spices do lose some potency over time.

Only thing I have that is old is some koko samoa from 3 years ago I used to make one dish one time, and I could never get a straight answer how long it stays good for. I don't see any mold.

[tp4tissue]

Tp4 has tried the "dark place" before, +1 mold.