SPICES 101: Do my spices spoil or expire?

Spices do not actually spoil but when it comes to quality, the story is different. Over time, spices will lose their potency and not flavor your food as intended. In my opinion a well stocked spice rack is a major part of a busy kitchen. There are so many spices available and each has their own use. I would have to say that depending on your nationality and how much you cook would be a determining factor on the amount of spices in your kitchen.

There are some basic spices and herbs every kitchen should have. Most of the spices you get in a purchased spice rack are not necessarily the ones you might use most often.

I myself do not consider flavored salts or meat rubs to be the most important items on the spice shelf. The three main spices that I believe no kitchen can be without are basil, bay leaves , and parsley. These three herbs can add flavor and variety to many of your favorite dishes. I use these three herbs just about every time I cook, and they prove to be a favorite of our clients here at GoldFire Private Chefs.

As a general rule, whole spices will stay fresh for about 4 years, ground spices for about 3 to 4 years and dried leafy herbs for 1 to 3 .

Here’s a great recipe you can try using with some of the spices on your counter top you never used before:

FIVE SPICE CHICKEN WINGS

1 c. soy sauce
1/3 c. sugar
4 tsp. vegetable oil
1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. five spice powder (found in gourmet spice rack)
2 bunches green onions, thinly sliced
16 chicken wings

Blend soy sauce, sugar, oil, ginger, and five spice powder in large bowl until sugar dissolves. Stir in green onions. Add chicken wings to marinade, turning to coat. Cover chicken and refrigerate overnight or at least for 5 hours. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drain chicken, reserving marinade. Arrange chicken in 9 x 12-inch baking dish. Bake until golden brown and tender, basting occasionally with marinade, 45 to 50 minutes.

Serve hot or chilled