What is the shelf life of dried herbs?
Whole dried herbs last roughly from 1 to 3 years for leafy herbs, powdered or ground herbs will last 6 months. They should not be stored in the refrigerator or too close to the stove. Nor should they be kept in a sunny spot in your kitchen. For best results, keep your herbs and spices in tightly sealed, glass containers. The best storage temperature is a constant 68°F. Temperature fluctuations will cause condensation which could cause your herbs to mold. Herbs lose their flavor faster than spices. Dried herbs that have no color and no or very little smell when crumbled in the palm of your hand are probably too old for practical use. Even if they don’t look all that green anymore but still have a scent when crumbled in your hand, they are probably still good to use. Herbs that do not have a strong smell may be losing their potency and you should consider using more in your recipe. Another helpful tip is to buy your herbs and spices in smaller quantities.
