Keeping Spices Fresh keeps Flavor at its Peak

You can experience gourmet foods at your table for any meal! You can use recipes and cook them yourself or order them and just reheat gourmet meals are not just for dining out. For the best in gourmet meals look for quality ingredients - it can be more expensive but the added taste will be worth it.

Spices are the backbone of any good recipe. Keeping dried spices
on hand is a convenient way to always be prepared for cooking.
But old spices can leave you with a lack luster final dish and
you wondering what happened.

Here are some simple tips to keep you dried spices at there
freshest.

Shelf life of spices

* Ground spices such as salt or cinnamon can be kept for up to
3 years.

* Whole spices such as whole cloves can be kept up to 4 years. *
Seasoning blends such as Herbs de Provence can be kept up to 2
years.

* Herbs such as rosemary or thyme can be kept up to 3 years.

* Extracts such as vanilla extract or almond extract can be
kept up to 4 years. Pure vanilla can be kept indefinitely.

Spice storage

* Store spices in tightly sealed containers. Most grocery store
spices come in small plastic or glass jars with lids that are
ideal for spice storage. If you are purchasing bagged spices
make an investment is some small glass jars with lids and label
them according to contents.

* Mark the date of purchase next to the freshness date on your
spice containers. This way you will be able to keep track of
when you purchased a spice and when it is time to replace your
spices.

Tips for longer shelf life

* Never shake a can of spices overtop a steaming pot. The
moisture can enter the spice container and cause the spices to
cake.

* Always use a dry measuring spoon to measure spices.

Testing for freshness

* Rub a small sprinkling of spices in between the palms of your
hands. If the spices are aromatic they are still fresh if you
have no scent of little scent the spices are past there prime.

* Look for color. If your spices are still vibrant in color they
are still good. If they have faded it is time to replace them.

About the author:
Shauna Hanus is a gourmet cook who specializes in creating
gourmet recipes. She has extensive experience cooking with easy
to find grocery items to create delightful gourmet meals. She is
also the publisher of a no cost bi-monthly gourmet newsletter.
Her newsletter is always fun and informational packed with tips
and trivia you can use everyday. http://www.gourmayeats.com

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