Did you find a bag of dried Essiac herbs in your pantry and think; I wonder if I can still use this? No judgement here – let’s see if it’s worth making.
Most herbs will last at least a year, with an average of two or three years. We’ll cover a few signs your herbs have gone bad and offer tips to help you prolong the lifespan of your Essiac herbs.
Shelf Life 101:
You’ve just pulled your herbs out of the pantry – don’t be in a hurry to throw it away. Chances are it’s still fresh. The fact is most dried herbs have relatively long shelf lives, which last between three to four years.
After all, one of the advantages of dried Essiac herbs is their convenient, easy, long-term storage and long-lasting flavor.
When figuring out the shelf life of your herbs, consider the following factors:
- Spice vs. herb: Generally, dried spices sit on the shelf longer than dried herbs, with spices lasting two to three years, and herbs lasting one to three years. What’s the difference? Herbs, like basil and sage, consist of plant leaves, whereas spices, such as cinnamon and paprika, come from the rest of the plant, including the root, stem, or seed. For the sake of our Essiac components, burdock and turkey rhubarb are roots, while slippery elm is an inner bark and sheep sorrel is the entire plant. These would be considered spices for this purpose, which last two to three years.
- Whole vs. powdered: Whole spices tend to last longer. Powdered may be exposed more to the elements, while whole herbs tend to keep their flavors locked inside.
Learn the Signs of Expired Spices
- Sell-by date: The first thing to notice is the sell-by date on your container. While most herbs and spices can last far past their printed date, it’s an accurate representation of how long it will stay its strongest. This is a helpful benchmark.
- Smell test: When it comes to herbs and spices, this is the only way you can truly determine their freshness. To test the potency, shake a small amount of the herbs into your hand and rub it thoroughly. If when you smell it the herb still only smells faint take that as a sign it’s time to replace it.
Aim for Longevity
Step 1: Store Properly:
Proper storage is the first and most important step in keeping your herbs and spices fresh. Without it you’ll leave them exposed to elements such as heat and moisture, causing the oils and flavors and general potency to break down. Consider the following storage tips:
- Keep it cool and dark – keep your herbs as dry as you can to ensure they stay fresh. That’s why a pantry or cupboard is an ideal storage option. Avoid hot areas such as the oven, which can accelerate breakdown.
- Use and airtight container – Prevent moisture from touching your herbs and spices is key to making them last longer.
Step 2: Stay Organized
An organized pantry is an efficient space. When your collection of herbs and spices (and teas) stay neat and tidy, you’re more likely to use them before they expire. It’s particularly important to introduce visual cues that help you keep track of how long an herb or spice has been around.
Consider the following examples of such reminders:
- Rotate your herbs and spices on a weekly or monthly basis, bringing rarely used ones to the front so you’re more likely to remember them.
- Arrange chronologically, placing older items at the front to remind yourself to use them.
- Label each herb and spice with a sticky note detailing the date it was opened to keep a close watch.
Is it time for new Essiac herbs?
Check out our Recommended Vendor List to ensure you pick a quality Essiac product.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This web site is not designed to, and does not, provide medical advice. All content, including text, graphics, images and information available on or through this web site are for general informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You take full legal responsibility for whatever decisions you make regarding your own health care. This material is offered solely for educational purposes. The suggestion is that you think clearly for yourself and make your own decisions, with the input of a licensed health professional should you choose to consult one.
Resources:
- Healthline. Do Spices Expire? Shelf Life and When to Toss Them. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/do-spices-expire
- Still Tasty. Food Storage – How Long Can You Keep Coriander? https://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/16957#:~:text=How%20long%20does%20ground%20coriander%20last%20at%20room%20temperature%3F,containers%20with%20tight%2Dfitting%20lids.
- Still Tasty. How Long Do Spices Last?https://www.stilltasty.com/articles/view/67
- Almanac. What is the Difference Between Spices and Herbs?https://www.almanac.com/what-difference-between-spices-and-herbs#:~:text=An%20herb%20is%20the%20green,%2C%20star%20anise%2C%20and%20tumeric.
- Today. Are your spices really old? 3 signs it’s time to throw them away. https://www.today.com/food/are-your-spices-old-here-s-how-tell-if-you-t125844
- Express. Can herbs and spices expire or go bad?https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/food/1419611/Can-herbs-spices-expire-go-bad-dried-seasoning-evg
- Wonder How To. Are Your Herbs & Spices Too Old? Here’s How to Check. https://food-hacks.wonderhowto.com/how-to/are-your-herbs-spices-too-old-heres-check-0169844/
- Real Simple. 6 Ways You Can Use Your Expired Spices. https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/expired-spices
- Turning the Clock Back. What To Do With Old Spices After They Expire. https://www.turningclockback.com/what-to-do-with-old-spices-after-they-expire/
- Bon Appetit. Do Spices Go Bad? Well, Yeah, Kind of. https://www.bonappetit.com/story/do-spices-go-bad
- How Long do Dried Herbs Last? https://www.starwest-botanicals.com/blog/how-long-do-dried-herbs-last-starwest-botanicals-/
Essiac Library 