Why do herbs and spices lose their flavor within a year? Is there a way I can prolong their shelf life?
Thomas D., Thousand Oaks, California. Unfortunately, nothing in life lasts forever and dried herbs and spices fall victim to light, humidity and heat. Try extending their life by keeping them in a dark cupboard away from heat and humidity. If at all possible, try purchasing them fresh and loose but in tiny quantities, or buy them packaged in 1/4 cup volume containers rather than the larger 1/2 cup volume bottles. Finally, before you toss the ones you think are hopeless, heat an iron skillet and add the herbs or spices just for a couple of seconds to release whatever flavor or aroma is left. If that fails to breathe life into them, then throw them out; they don’t have anything left to give to your food.
