Shelf life of a bottle of ground cumin..??

[SandyW]

I have this bottle of ground cumin in my cabinet for a long time...it still smells potent...but I'm wondering how long it is good for? Might it be better to just get a new bottle? I have so much to learn about the different spices I see listed in the recipes...but that's OK because all of the learning I'll be doing from now on will have to do with the McDougall way of eating.

[AnnaS]

if it still smells like it has some flavor. The problem with spices and herbs is their flavor will fade over time, but I don't think it will harm you to eat 'stale' spices.

[LoriM]

then I'm sure it's fine. I add cumin to nearly every casserole, so it doesn't last long here. It's great paired with chili powder (for chili) or thyme or sage in lentils or ginger with stir fry.

[Jan Tz]

I have always heard that spices should be replaced every 6 months, but who can afford to do that? I keep mine until I use them up and have never had any problems.

[SandyW]

Thanks everyone...I'll just go ahead and use it in the next recipe that calls for it and see how it seems...only because it still smells as potent as it did the day I bought it. It's in a glass bottle and I honestly can't remember when I bought it...and like Jan said, who can afford to be replacing some of these spices so often!

[Mallow]

I don't generally throw out spices either, I've had some for 7 years (I date mine.) When they're fading due to age, I simply add more of it to the recipe. I've never had one mold on me or anything, unlike tea leaves or other unstable items.