Data
Shelf Life Index
How long herbs, spices, seasonings and blends keep, by form and by where they are stored. Every duration is quoted from a named source, with the storage it applies to. Where sources give different answers for the same thing, each answer is shown. Nothing is averaged.
Ingredients
84
herbs, spices, blends, pastes
Durations
480
each with its source
Sources
123
each named in its row
Where sources differ
150
durations shown side by side
No ingredient matches.
Advieh
2 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homemade advieh blend | Freezer | longerfrozen: longer than the 2-week refrigerator figure, no number given | ReformJudaism.orgon Advieh |
| Homemade advieh blend | Refrigerator, airtight jar | up to 2 weeksone recipe author's practice; other recipes give no time | ReformJudaism.orgon Advieh |
Ají amarillo
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dried ají amarillo (ají mirasol) | Not stated | several monthsapplies to the dried chile; no figure for the powder | Agencia Andina (Editora Perú, Peruvian state news agency)on Ají Amarillo Powder |
Annatto
2 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annatto oil (America's Test Kitchen) | Refrigerator, glass container | up to 1 monthneither recipe explains its figure | America's Test Kitchenon Cooking With Annatto Seeds |
| Annatto oil (Norman Van Aken) | Airtight, cool and dark | several monthsneither recipe explains its figure | Food Networkon Cooking With Annatto Seeds |
Baharat
3 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baharat blend | Airtight container, cool dark place | up to a yearpublisher guidance, not a measured shelf life | University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension, Food siteon Baharat Seasoning |
| Homemade baharat blend | Airtight jar, cool dry place | up to 3 monthspublisher guidance, not a measured shelf life | RecipeTin Eatson Baharat Seasoning |
| Turkish baharat mix | Away from direct sunlight | up to 3 monthspublisher guidance, not a measured shelf life | Saveuron Baharat Seasoning |
Bajan seasoning
2 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWitt/Whittaker recipe (with vinegar and 3 tbsp salt) | Refrigerator | at least 6 monthsrecipes differ in acid and salt | Fiery Foods Centralon Bajan Seasoning |
| Harriott recipe (no vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt) | Refrigerator, clean airtight jar | up to 1 weekrecipes differ in acid and salt | SBS Foodon Bajan Seasoning |
Basil
20 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basil stems in a glass of water, loosely covered, on the counter | Counter, stems in water, loosely covered | up to a week or twoOne food site's method (The Kitchn) | The Kitchnon How to Store Basil |
| Basil vinegar | Refrigerator | six to eight monthsdiscard if mold or fermentation appears | Colorado State University Extensionon Basil Uses |
| Basil vinegar | Cool, dark place (65°F or below) | up to three monthsdiscard if mold or fermentation appears | Colorado State University Extensionon Basil Uses |
| Dried basil leaves kept in olive oil (Italian practice) | In olive oil | several monthsA recorded tradition; the page says to follow the extension 4-day rule instead | Plant Resources of South-East Asia, via Pl@ntUseon How to Dry Basil, How to Store Basil |
| Dried basil leaves preserved in olive oil | In olive oil | several monthshistorical Italian practice; the page says to treat it as history, not a method | Plant Resources of South-East Asia, via Pl@ntUseon Basil Uses, Basil |
| Dried herbs in oil | Refrigerator | 4-day Safety | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Store Basil |
| Frozen herbs in general, airtight | Freezer | up to six monthsgeneral guidance for herbs, not specific to basil | South Dakota State University Extensionon Can You Freeze Basil? Leaves, Oil Cubes, Pesto and How Long They Keep |
| Herbs dried in the microwave | Airtight | up to 3 monthsGeneral figure for microwave-dried herbs; not measured on basil | America's Test Kitchenon How to Dry Basil |
| Herbs in oil | Refrigerator | 4 days Safetyfreezing is the safest recommendation; never store at room temperature | International Association for Food Protectionon Can You Freeze Basil? Leaves, Oil Cubes, Pesto and How Long They Keep |
| Homemade fresh herbs in oil (thawed oil cube) | Refrigerator | 4 days Safety | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Store Basil |
| Homemade pesto | Refrigerator | 4 days Safety | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Store Basil |
| Leftover pesto under a layer of olive oil | Refrigerator | up to 2 days | Ciao Saminon Cooking With Basil |
| Most dried herbs | Not stated | up to a yearGeneral figure for dried herbs | Penn State Extensionon How to Store Basil |
| Most home-dried herbs | Not stated | up to a yearGeneral figure for home-dried herbs; not measured on basil | Penn State Extensionon How to Dry Basil |
| Most home-dried herbs, properly stored | Not stated | about a yearGeneral figure for home-dried herbs; not measured on basil | University of Illinois Extensionon How to Dry Basil |
| Oil seasoned with dried herbs | Refrigerator | 4 days Safetygeneral guidance for herbs in oil, not specific to basil | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Basil Uses, How to Dry Basil |
| Pesto | Refrigerator | up to 3 days Safetysources differ | International Association for Food Protectionon Can You Freeze Basil? Leaves, Oil Cubes, Pesto and How Long They Keep |
| Pesto | Refrigerator, airtight | up to 5 days Safetysources differ | North Dakota State University Extensionon Can You Freeze Basil? Leaves, Oil Cubes, Pesto and How Long They Keep |
| Pesto in freezer containers | Freezer | up to six months | North Dakota State University Extensionon Can You Freeze Basil? Leaves, Oil Cubes, Pesto and How Long They Keep |
| Quick-frozen herbs, well packaged | Freezer | up to a yearGeneral figure for frozen herbs | Colorado State University Extension (copy hosted by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources)on How to Store Basil |
Bay leaf
5 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bay leaves | Freezer | indefinitely | The Splendid Tableon Crushed vs. Whole Bay Leaves |
| Dried bay leaves | Not stated | 1 yearsources differCategory figure applied to this spice; not measured on it; McCormick figure is for leafy herbs | University of California Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin CountyAmerica's Test Kitchenon How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
| Dried bay leaves | Not stated | 1 to 3 yearssources differCategory figure applied to this spice; not measured on it; McCormick figure is for leafy herbs | McCormickon How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
| Ground bay and other ground spices | Not stated | about six months to a yearpotency loss window | The Spice Houseon Bay Leaf Substitutes, Ranked by the Job Bay Is Doing |
| Ground spices | Not stated | about six months to a yearGeneral guidance for ground spices; page found no figure specific to crushed bay leaves | The Spice Houseon Crushed vs. Whole Bay Leaves |
Berbere
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berbere blend | Airtight container | up to 6 monthsrecipe guidance, not a measured shelf life | SaveurTasting Tableon Berbere |
Bronze fennel
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh bronze fennel | Refrigerator | up to 5 daysgeneral guidance, not a measured shelf life | Specialty Produceon Bronze Fennel Uses |
Cajun seasoning
2 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cook's Country homemade blend | Not stated | a few monthsno regulator or standards body figure found | America's Test Kitchenon Cajun Seasoning |
| Cook's Country Louisiana seasoning | Not stated | a few months | America's Test Kitchenon Cajun Seasoning Substitutes |
Cayenne pepper
3 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cayenne | Not stated | 2 to 4 yearssources differMcCormick's category figure for ground spices, not a cayenne figure | McCormickon How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
| Cayenne | Not stated | within a few monthssources differA cook's freshness advice for a single spice | America's Test Kitchenon How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
| Cayenne pepper (ground) | Not stated | within a few monthspotency loss of volatile oils; no exact figure | America's Test Kitchenon Must-Have Spices |
Celery
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celery in general | Near 0 °C at very high humidity | about one monthfor celery in general, not leaves specifically | Plant Resources of South-East Asia, via Pl@ntUseon Celery Leaves |
Chaat masala
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaat masala blend | Airtight container, refrigerated or at room temperature | 2 to 3 monthsrecipe guidance, not a measured shelf life | TarlaDalal.comon Chaat Masala |
Chervil
2 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herb vinegar | Refrigerator | within 3 months | University of Maine Cooperative Extensionon Chervil Uses |
| Herb vinegar | Cool, dark place | best within 4 to 6 monthsrefrigeration best for flavor | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Chervil Uses |
Chili powder
3 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chili powder | Not stated | 1 yearsources differCategory figure applied to this spice; not measured on it; UC Extension advises refrigerating for color retention | University of California Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin CountyAmerica's Test Kitchenon How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
| Chili powder | Not stated | 2 to 4 yearssources differCategory figure applied to this spice; not measured on it; UC Extension advises refrigerating for color retention | McCormickon How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
| Chili powder | Not stated | up to three yearssources differa publication's rule of thumb, not a tested figure | PepperScaleon Chili Powder |
Chinese five-spice powder
2 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Five-spice powder | Cool, dark, dry place | several months | The Woks of Lifeon Chinese Five-Spice Powder |
| Five-spice powder | Not stated | three years old or more (replace)replacement point, not a keeping window | The Woks of Lifeon Chinese Five-Spice Powder |
Chive
5 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chives | Refrigerator | up to a week | University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, Horticultureon Garlic Chives vs. Chives |
| Fresh chives | Refrigerator | up to a week | University of Wisconsin-Madison Extensionon How to Dry Chives, and Why Freezing Often Works Better |
| Herbs dried in the microwave | Not stated | up to 3 monthsGeneral figure for microwave-dried herbs; not measured on chives | America's Test Kitchenon How to Dry Chives, and Why Freezing Often Works Better |
| Most dried herbs | Airtight, vapor-proof container, cool dry dark place | about a yearsources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on chives | University of Illinois Extensionon How to Dry Chives, and Why Freezing Often Works Better |
| Most dried herbs | Airtight, vapor-proof container, cool dry dark place | up to a yearsources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on chives | Penn State Extensionon How to Dry Chives, and Why Freezing Often Works Better |
Cilantro
17 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bundle in a jar of water on the counter | Counter, jar of water | just over seven daysOne home test of three bundles (Fine Gardening) | Fine Gardeningon How to Store Cilantro |
| Bundle in a jar of water, covered with a bag | Refrigerator, jar of water, bagged | just over four weeksOne home test of three bundles (Fine Gardening) | Fine Gardeningon How to Store Cilantro |
| Cilantro, once cut | Refrigerator | about a week | Wisconsin Master Gardener Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison Extensionon Dried Herbs vs. Fresh |
| Commercial cilantro, held in air | Lab storage at 7.5°C (45.5°F) | about 7 dayssources differCommercial cilantro held in air in a lab (UC Davis study); aroma fell off notably after 14 days at every condition | FAO AGRISon How to Store Cilantro |
| Commercial cilantro, held in air | Lab storage at 5°C (41°F) | about 14 dayssources differCommercial cilantro held in air in a lab (UC Davis study); aroma fell off notably after 14 days at every condition | FAO AGRISon How to Store Cilantro |
| Commercial cilantro, held in air | Lab storage at 0°C (32°F) | 18 to 22 dayssources differCommercial cilantro held in air in a lab (UC Davis study); aroma fell off notably after 14 days at every condition | FAO AGRISon How to Store Cilantro |
| Cut cilantro | Refrigerator | about a weeksources differPage says these were measured or advised under different conditions, so they do not show which herb lasts longer | Wisconsin Master Gardener Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison Extensionon Culantro vs. Cilantro |
| Cut cilantro | Refrigerator | the weeksources differ | University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Master Gardener Programon How to Dry Cilantro |
| Cut cilantro leaves | Refrigerator | about a week | Wisconsin Master Gardener Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison Extensionon Can You Freeze Cilantro? Bags, Cubes and What Changes When It Thaws, Coriander vs. Cilantro |
| Cut leaves | Refrigerator | About a week | Wisconsin Master Gardener Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison Extensionon How to Store Cilantro |
| Frozen herbs in general, airtight | Freezer | up to six monthsgeneral guidance for herbs, not specific to cilantro | South Dakota State University Extensionon Can You Freeze Cilantro? Bags, Cubes and What Changes When It Thaws |
| Herb-in-oil mix | Refrigerator | 4 days Safetyfreezing is the safest recommendation | International Association for Food Protectionon Can You Freeze Cilantro? Bags, Cubes and What Changes When It Thaws |
| Homemade cilantro sauces, pestos and herb oils made with fresh cilantro | Refrigerator | 4 days Safety | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Store Cilantro |
| Microwave-dried herbs | Not stated | up to 3 monthsGeneral figure for microwave-dried herbs; not measured on cilantro | America's Test Kitchenon How to Dry Cilantro |
| Most dried herbs | Airtight container, cool dry dark place | up to a yearGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on cilantro | Penn State Extensionon How to Dry Cilantro |
| Most dried herbs | Not stated | about a yearGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on cilantro | University of Illinois Extensionon How to Dry Cilantro |
| Quick-frozen herbs, well packaged | Freezer | up to a yearGeneral figure for frozen herbs | Colorado State University Extension (copy hosted by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources)on How to Store Cilantro |
Cinnamon
4 durationsCinnamon basil
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basil frozen in oil (herb-and-oil mixtures) | Refrigerator | within 4 days SafetyOregon State guidance covers homemade herb-and-oil mixtures in general, not this herb by name | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Cooking With Cinnamon Basil |
Clove
4 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground cloves | Not stated | 1 yearsources differGeneral window for whole or ground spices; the page says none of the figures was measured on cloves | University of California Cooperative ExtensionAmerica's Test Kitchenon Ground Cloves vs. Whole Cloves, How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
| Ground cloves | Not stated | 2 to 4 yearssources differGeneral window for whole or ground spices; the page says none of the figures was measured on cloves | McCormickon Ground Cloves vs. Whole Cloves, How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
| Whole cloves | Not stated | 2 yearssources differGeneral window for whole or ground spices; the page says none of the figures was measured on cloves | University of California Cooperative ExtensionAmerica's Test Kitchenon Ground Cloves vs. Whole Cloves, How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
| Whole cloves | Not stated | 3 to 4 yearssources differGeneral window for whole or ground spices; the page says none of the figures was measured on cloves | McCormickon Ground Cloves vs. Whole Cloves, How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
Coriander
12 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coriander fruits, thoroughly dried and stored dry | Stored dry | several yearsEssential oil retention (PROSEA); crushed seed loses it quickly | Plant Resources of South-East Asia, via Pl@ntUseon How to Store Coriander Seed |
| Dried coriander fruits stored dry | Stored dry | several yearsRefers to retention of essential oil; crushed fruits lose it quickly | Plant Resources of South-East Asia, via Pl@ntUseon Cooking With Coriander Seed |
| Ground coriander (spices in general) | Not stated | 1 yearsources differSpices in general, home storage; not measured on coriander | University of California Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin CountyAmerica's Test Kitchenon How to Store Coriander Seed |
| Ground coriander (spices in general) | Not stated | 2 to 4 yearssources differSpices in general; a spice company's own guidance; not measured on coriander | McCormickon How to Store Coriander Seed |
| Ground coriander in HDPE | HDPE bag, room temperature | 6 monthsOne study of one lot of ground coriander at room temperature in Bangladesh (Rahman et al., 2007) | Bangladesh Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research (Bangladesh Journals Online)on How to Store Coriander Seed |
| Ground coriander in laminated aluminum foil | Laminated aluminum foil bag, room temperature | 12 monthsOne study of one lot of ground coriander at room temperature in Bangladesh (Rahman et al., 2007); study ran 12 months | Bangladesh Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research (Bangladesh Journals Online)on How to Store Coriander Seed |
| Ground coriander in polypropylene | Polypropylene bag, room temperature | 2 monthsOne study of one lot of ground coriander at room temperature in Bangladesh (Rahman et al., 2007) | Bangladesh Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research (Bangladesh Journals Online)on How to Store Coriander Seed |
| Thoroughly dried coriander fruits stored dry | Stored dry | several yearsRefers to retention of essential oil | Plant Resources of South-East Asia, via Pl@ntUseon Coriander Seed |
| Whole coriander (spices in general) | Not stated | 2 yearssources differSpices in general, home storage; not measured on coriander | University of California Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin CountyAmerica's Test Kitchenon How to Store Coriander Seed |
| Whole coriander (spices in general) | Not stated | 3 to 4 yearssources differSpices in general; a spice company's own guidance; not measured on coriander | McCormickon How to Store Coriander Seed |
| Whole dried coriander fruits | Not stated | several yearsRefers to retention of essential oil | Plant Resources of South-East Asia, via Pl@ntUseon Coriander vs. Parsley, Pickling Spice |
| Whole dried coriander seed | Not stated | several yearsRefers to retention of essential oil | Plant Resources of South-East Asia, via Pl@ntUseon Coriander vs. Cilantro |
Creole seasoning
2 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homemade Creole seasoning blend (Cook's Country) | Not stated | a few monthsPage found no regulator or standards body shelf life for Creole seasoning | America's Test Kitchenon Creole Seasoning |
| Homemade Louisiana seasoning (Cook's Country) | Not stated | a few monthsCook's Country's Louisiana seasoning, offered for both Cajun and Creole cooking | America's Test Kitchenon Creole Seasoning Substitutes |
Culantro
5 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Culantro leaves | Refrigerator | several daysPage says these were measured or advised under different conditions | Estación Experimental Agrícola, Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto Universitario de Mayagüezon Culantro vs. Cilantro |
| Culantro leaves in plastic bags | Refrigerator | several days | Estación Experimental Agrícola, Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto Universitario de Mayagüezon Culantro Substitutes for Sofrito, Pho and Salsa, Culantro |
| Packaged culantro leaves | Packaged, 28 °C | 4 dayssources differ | Plant Resources of South-East Asia, via Pl@ntUseon Culantro |
| Packaged culantro leaves | Packaged, 10 °C | up to 2 weekssources differ | Plant Resources of South-East Asia, via Pl@ntUseon Culantro |
| Packaged culantro leaves at 10 °C | Packaged, 10 °C | up to 2 weeksPage says these were measured or advised under different conditions | Plant Resources of South-East Asia, via Pl@ntUseon Culantro vs. Cilantro |
Cumin
7 durationsDill
6 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dill seed | Airtight glass container, cool and dark | Up to 6 monthsThe page says this is a quality window, not a measured shelf life | Purdue University Extensionon How to Store Dill |
| Dried herbs in general | Not stated | 1 yearGeneral figure; not measured on dill | Penn State Extensionon How to Store Dill |
| Fresh dill wrapped in damp paper towels, refrigerated | Refrigerator | about two days | Purdue University Extensionon Cooking With Dill |
| Fresh dill, in a damp paper towel in a bag or stems in water | Refrigerator | about two days | Purdue University Extensionon How to Store Dill |
| Home-dried herbs in general | Not stated | 6 months to 1 yearGeneral figure; not measured on dill | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Store Dill |
| Homemade herb oils (dill oil, dill in oil) | Refrigerator | within 4 days SafetyBotulism risk; Oregon State guidance covers homemade herb oils in general | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Cooking With Dill |
Fajita seasoning
2 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PepperScale's homemade fajita seasoning | Airtight | up to 3 monthsno regulator or standards body figure was found | PepperScaleon Fajita Seasoning Substitutes, Fajita Seasoning |
| PepperScale's homemade fajita seasoning | Airtight container | up to 3 months | PepperScaleon Good Spices for Fajitas |
Furikake
6 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chen's homemade furikake | Refrigerator | up to 2 weekswithout a silica gel packet | Just One Cookbookon Furikake Substitutes, Furikake, Gomasio vs. Furikake |
| Chen's homemade furikake | Freezer | up to 1 month | Just One Cookbookon Furikake |
| Chen's homemade furikake | Room temperature, with a food-safe silica gel packet | 1 to 2 months | Just One Cookbookon Furikake Substitutes, Furikake |
| Chen's homemade furikake | With a silica gel packet | 1 to 2 months | Just One Cookbookon Gomasio vs. Furikake |
| Itoh's homemade noritama | Refrigerator | about a week | JustBentoon Gomasio vs. Furikake |
| Itoh's homemade noritama | Airtight, refrigerator | about a week | JustBentoon Furikake |
Galangal
13 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dried galangal slices (whole spices in general) | Tightly covered container, dark place | 2 yearssources differSpices in general; the page says neither figure was measured on galangal | University of California Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin Countyon How to Store Galangal |
| Dried galangal slices (whole spices in general) | Tightly covered container, dark place | 3 to 4 yearssources differSpices in general; the page says neither figure was measured on galangal | McCormickon How to Store Galangal |
| Fresh galangal | Refrigerator | 2 to 3 weeks | Waitroseon Can You Freeze Galangal? What Thai Cooks Say and How to Do It |
| Fresh galangal | Room temperature | 7 daysmarketable life in a postharvest study; trade-storage conditions, not a home figure | Thai DOI registry, National Research Council of Thailandon Dried Galangal vs. Fresh |
| Fresh galangal (Thai market rhizomes) | Room temperature | 7 daysA trade figure for marketable life, not a home measurement | Thai DOI registry, National Research Council of Thailandon How to Store Galangal |
| Fresh galangal rhizomes | Room temperature | 7 daysmarketable life used as a study baseline; trade context | Thai DOI registry, National Research Council of Thailandon Can You Freeze Galangal? What Thai Cooks Say and How to Do It |
| Fresh galangal wrapped in paper towel and a plastic bag | Refrigerator crisper | almost two weeks | SheSimmerson Can You Freeze Galangal? What Thai Cooks Say and How to Do It |
| Fresh galangal, wrapped in clingfilm or a paper bag | Refrigerator | 2 to 3 weeks | Waitrose & Partnerson How to Store Galangal |
| Fresh galangal, wrapped in paper towel in a plastic bag | Refrigerator crisper | Almost two weeks | SheSimmerson How to Store Galangal |
| Galangal paste or chopped galangal covered in oil | Refrigerator | four days SafetyGeneral rule for vegetables and herbs in oil | International Association for Food Protectionon How to Store Galangal |
| Galangal powder (ground spices in general) | Tightly covered container, dark place | 1 yearsources differSpices in general; the page says neither figure was measured on galangal | University of California Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin Countyon How to Store Galangal |
| Galangal powder (ground spices in general) | Tightly covered container, dark place | 2 to 4 yearssources differSpices in general; the page says neither figure was measured on galangal | McCormickon How to Store Galangal |
| Unpeeled galangal wrapped in foil | Freezer | up to 2 monthsonly published frozen figure found | Waitroseon Can You Freeze Galangal? What Thai Cooks Say and How to Do It, How to Store Galangal |
Garam masala
6 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great British Chefs' garam masala | Not stated | within a few months, and up to fourrecipe guidance, not a measured shelf life | Great British Chefson Garam Masala |
| Homemade Bengali garam masala | Airtight container | can keep for monthsRecipe guidance, not measured | Bong Eatson Cooking With Garam Masala |
| Homemade garam masala | Not stated | within a few monthsStorage recommendation, not a measured shelf life; not a precise span | Great British Chefson Too Much Garam Masala? How to Fix a Harsh, Bitter or Overspiced Dish |
| Homemade garam masala (Madhur Jaffrey recipe) | Airtight container | up to 3 monthsRecipe guidance, not measured | Saveuron Cooking With Garam Masala |
| Saveur's garam masala | Airtight container | up to 3 monthsrecipe guidance, not a measured shelf life | Saveuron Garam Masala |
| Saveur's garam masala blend | Airtight container | up to 3 monthsStorage recommendation, not a measured shelf life | Saveuron Too Much Garam Masala? How to Fix a Harsh, Bitter or Overspiced Dish |
Garlic
19 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cured garlic bulbs | Cool (60°F, 16°C), dry, dark | 3 to 5 monthsThe page says a home refrigerator (about 40°F) is not suitable for long-term storage because it stimulates sprouting | University of California Agriculture and Natural Resourceson How to Dry Garlic |
| Fresh garlic | Cool (60°F, or 16°C), dry, dark conditions | 3 to 5 months | University of California Agriculture and Natural Resourceson Do Spices Go Bad? Shelf Life, Safety and How to Tell |
| Fresh garlic | Cool (60°F), dry and dark; not in the refrigerator | 3 to 5 months | University of California Agriculture and Natural Resourceson Garlic Powder vs. Fresh Garlic |
| Fresh garlic | Cool (60°F, 16°C), dry, dark conditions; not the refrigerator | 3 to 5 months | University of California Agriculture and Natural Resourceson Garlic |
| Frozen garlic in oil | Freezer | several months Safety | University of California Agriculture and Natural Resourceson How to Dry Garlic |
| Garlic cloves in oil | Refrigerator | No more than 4 days SafetyGarlic cloves, cited on the garlic scapes page | University of California Agriculture and Natural Resourceson How to Store Garlic Scapes |
| Garlic cloves in oil | Freezer | several months SafetyGarlic cloves, cited on the garlic scapes page | University of California Agriculture and Natural Resourceson How to Store Garlic Scapes |
| Garlic in oil | Refrigerator | no more than 4 days SafetyDo not store at room temperature | University of California Agriculture and Natural Resourceson The Best Spices for Broccoli, Roasted or Stir-Fried |
| Garlic in oil (homemade) | Refrigerator | within 4 days Safetysources differwritten for garlic cloves; no scape-specific guidance found | University of California Agriculture and Natural Resourceson Garlic Scapes |
| Garlic in oil (homemade) | Refrigerator | no more than 4 days Safetysources differbotulism risk; never store at room temperature | University of California Agriculture and Natural Resourceson Garlic Powder vs. Fresh Garlic, Garlic Salt Substitutes, Garlic vs. Ginger |
| Garlic oil | Refrigerator | no more than 4 days SafetyDo not store at room temperature | University of California Agriculture and Natural Resourceson Good Spices for Turkey |
| Homemade garlic oil | Refrigerator | within 4 days Safetysources differbotulism risk | University of California Agriculture and Natural Resourceson The Best Spices for Rice, The Best Spices for Butternut Squash |
| Homemade garlic oil | Refrigerator | no more than 4 days Safetysources differdo not store at room temperature | University of California Agriculture and Natural Resourceson The Best Spices for Baked Potatoes, The Best Spices for Mashed Potatoes |
| Homemade garlic-in-oil mixtures | Refrigerator | no more than 4 days Safetywritten for garlic cloves; the page applies it to scape pesto, with no scape-specific guidance found | University of California Agriculture and Natural Resourceson Garlic Scapes Substitutes, Ranked by the Job Scapes Are Doing |
| Oil seasoned with dried garlic or dried herbs | Refrigerator | 4 days Safety | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Dry Garlic |
| Oils seasoned with garlic or herbs | Refrigerator | within 4 days SafetyOr frozen; botulism risk in low-acid foods stored in oil | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon The Best Spices for Broccoli, Roasted or Stir-Fried |
| Peeled garlic cloves covered in undiluted wine or vinegar | Refrigerator | about 4 months SafetyGarlic cloves, cited on the garlic scapes page as the nearest tested guidance for pickled scapes | University of California Agriculture and Natural Resourceson How to Store Garlic Scapes |
| Peeled garlic cloves in oil | Refrigerator | no more than 4 days Safety | University of California Agriculture and Natural ResourcesOregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Dry Garlic |
| Peeled garlic cloves in oil (homemade) | Refrigerator | no more than 4 days Safetybotulism risk | University of California Agriculture and Natural Resourceson Garlic |
Garlic chive
2 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh garlic chive leaves | 0–2 °C | 2 to 3 days | Plant Resources of South-East Asia, via Pl@ntUseon Garlic Chives |
| Fresh garlic chives | 0 to 2 °C | 2 to 3 days | Plant Resources of South-East Asia, via Pl@ntUseon Garlic Chives vs. Chives |
Garlic scape
8 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garlic scapes | Refrigerator | Up to a monthsources differ | University of Illinois Extensionon How to Store Garlic Scapes |
| Garlic scapes | Refrigerator | Up to 3 weekssources differQuote spans two rows of the page's source table | Nebraska Extension, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (food.unl.edu)on How to Store Garlic Scapes |
| Garlic scapes, in a plastic bag | Refrigerator, in a plastic bag | 2 to 3 weeks | University of Wisconsin-Extension, St. Croix Countyon How to Store Garlic Scapes |
| Garlic scapes, unwashed in a plastic bag | Refrigerator | two to three weekssources differ | University of Wisconsin-Extension, St. Croix Countyon Garlic Scapes |
| Garlic scapes, unwashed in a plastic bag | Refrigerator | up to three weekssources differ | Nebraska Extension, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (food.unl.edu)on Garlic Scapes |
| Home-prepared vegetables and herbs in oil, generally | Refrigerator | 4 days SafetyGeneral guidance the page applies to scape pesto | International Association for Food Protectionon How to Store Garlic Scapes |
| Pesto | Refrigerator | 3 weeks Safetysources differRaab and Woodburn 2009, as reported by Nummer et al | International Association for Food Protectionon How to Store Garlic Scapes |
| Pesto | Refrigerator | Up to 3 days Safetysources differAs reported by Nummer et al | International Association for Food Protectionon How to Store Garlic Scapes |
Ginger
16 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ginger wrapped in plastic | Refrigerator | a few days | America's Test Kitchenon Can You Freeze Ginger? Whole, Grated and How Long It Keeps |
| Ground ginger | Not stated | 1 yearsources differCategory figure applied to this spice; not measured on it | University of California Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin CountyAmerica's Test Kitchenon How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
| Ground ginger | Not stated | 2 to 4 yearssources differCategory figure applied to this spice; not measured on it | McCormickon How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
| Ground ginger (spices in general) | Not stated | 1 yearSpices in general; not measured on ginger | University of California Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin CountyAmerica's Test Kitchenon How to Store Ginger |
| Ground spices (ground ginger) | Not stated | about a yearGeneral guidance for ground spices, not specific to this ingredient | University of California Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin Countyon Cooking With Ginger |
| Ground spices, naming ginger among them | Not stated | 2 to 4 yearsA spice company's own guidance | McCormickon How to Store Ginger |
| Homemade ginger paste in oil | Refrigerator | four days SafetyGeneral rule for vegetables and herbs in oil | International Association for Food Protectionon How to Store Ginger |
| Peeled fresh ginger | Refrigerator | 2 to 3 weeksPage says these figures disagree and none is from a storage study | Food Networkon Cooking With Ginger |
| Peeled ginger | Refrigerator | 2 to 3 weeks | Food Networkon Can You Freeze Ginger? Whole, Grated and How Long It Keeps |
| Peeled mature ginger | Refrigerator | two to three weeksLonger if left unpeeled; young ginger is perishable and doesn't keep well | Tasting Tableon How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
| Pureed, in teaspoon portions | Freezer | 3 to 4 months | Food Networkon Can You Freeze Ginger? Whole, Grated and How Long It Keeps |
| Unpeeled fresh ginger | Refrigerator | up to a monthPage says these figures disagree and none is from a storage study | Food Networkon Cooking With Ginger |
| Unpeeled ginger | Refrigerator | up to 1 month | Food Networkon Can You Freeze Ginger? Whole, Grated and How Long It Keeps |
| Whole, unpeeled | Freezer | up to 5 months | Tasting Tableon Can You Freeze Ginger? Whole, Grated and How Long It Keeps |
| Whole, unpeeled, wrapped | Freezer | 3 to 4 months | Food Networkon Can You Freeze Ginger? Whole, Grated and How Long It Keeps |
| Wrapped nub of fresh ginger | Refrigerator | a few daysPage says these figures disagree and none is from a storage study | America's Test Kitchenon Cooking With Ginger |
Gochugaru
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gochugaru, after opening | Freezer | up to 6 months | Maangchion Gochugaru vs. Gochujang |
Gochujang
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gochujang, after opening | Refrigerator | within 3 months | Maangchion Gochugaru vs. Gochujang |
Gomasio
2 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homemade gomashio (completely dry when packed) | Airtight container, cool, dry place such as a pantry or refrigerator | about a monthprovided it was completely dry when packed | JustBentoon Gomasio (Gomashio) |
| Itoh's homemade gomasio | Airtight, cool and dry | about a month | JustBentoon Gomasio vs. Furikake |
Greek seasoning
2 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| America's Test Kitchen's homemade Greek seasoning (with lemon zest) | Room temperature | up to 1 week | America's Test Kitchenon Greek Seasoning Substitutes |
| ATK's Greek seasoned salt blend | Not stated | up to six weeks | America's Test Kitchenon Greek Seasoning Substitutes |
Harissa
4 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home-prepared vegetables or herbs in oil, not acidified | Refrigerator | 4 days Safetysources differGeneral guidance the page applies to homemade harissa paste with raw garlic and oil and no acid | International Association for Food Protectionon Harissa Paste vs. Powder |
| Home-prepared vegetables or herbs in oil, not acidified | Refrigerator | 3 days to 3 weeks Safetysources differRange of published guidance the review reports, not the review's own advice | International Association for Food Protectionon Harissa Paste vs. Powder |
| Le Phare du Cap Bon harissa paste, after opening | Refrigerator, 4 to 6 °C | 30 daysOne commercial product's label | SuperValuon Harissa Paste vs. Powder |
| Ottolenghi Test Kitchen rose harissa (includes lemon juice and cider vinegar) | Sealed, sterilized jar in the fridge, topped with oil | up to 2 monthsOne recipe's guidance for an acidified homemade paste | The Happy Foodieon Harissa Paste vs. Powder |
Hawaij
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homemade savory hawaij | Airtight container | up to 6 monthsOne recipe writer's guidance, not a tested shelf life (per the page) | The Nosher, My Jewish Learningon Hawaij |
Herbes de Provence
5 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducros Label Rouge herbes de Provence | Dry, cool place away from light | 24 monthsA manufacturer's best-before date for its own product (per the page) | McCormick for Chefs (Ducros)on Herbes de Provence |
| Ducros Label Rouge herbes de Provence | Not stated | 24 monthsManufacturer best-before for one product; not a measured shelf life | McCormick for Chefs (Ducros)on Cooking With Herbes de Provence |
| Herbes de Provence blend | Airtight container, cool, dry place | up to a yearPage says neither figure is a measured shelf life | The Takeouton Cooking With Herbes de Provence |
| Herbes de Provence blend | Airtight container, cool dry place | up to a yearA writer's guidance, not a measured shelf life (per the page) | The Takeouton Herbes de Provence |
| Oil seasoned with dried herbs | Refrigerator | 4 days SafetyGeneral guidance for oil seasoned with dried herbs, which the page applies to a flavored oil made with the blend | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Herbes de Provence Uses |
Horseradish
12 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grated fresh horseradish | Not stated | within a few days | Tasting Tableon Cooking With Horseradish |
| Grated horseradish in vinegar | Airtight, refrigerator | up to two weeksThe page says this figure is for fresh grated root, not for reconstituted powder; no shelf-life figure was found for the powder itself | America's Test Kitchenon Horseradish Powder |
| Grated horseradish mixed with vinegar | Airtight, refrigerator | up to two weeksHolds its heat; no sourced figure for the whole fresh root or for opened commercial prepared horseradish was found | America's Test Kitchenon Horseradish |
| Grated root mixed with vinegar, airtight (homemade prepared horseradish) | Refrigerator | up to two weeksKeeps its heat | America's Test Kitchenon Cooking With Horseradish |
| Homemade prepared horseradish | Refrigerator | up to two weeksretention of heat | America's Test Kitchenon Fresh Wasabi vs. Wasabi Paste |
| Homemade prepared horseradish (grated root in vinegar) | Refrigerator | up to two weeksHolds its heat | America's Test Kitchenon Wasabi vs. Horseradish |
| Homemade prepared horseradish (Oregon State refrigerator recipe) | Refrigerator | within 1 to 2 monthsFades and loses pungency within this window | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Cooking With Horseradish |
| Homemade prepared horseradish (with vinegar) | Not stated | up to two weeksCited on the wasabi page as a horseradish comparison; no published figure for opened wasabi tube paste | America's Test Kitchenon Cooking With Wasabi |
| Intact horseradish roots | Moist sand or sawdust in a dark root cellar | up to 3 months | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Cooking With Horseradish |
| Prepared horseradish | Airtight, refrigerator | up to two weeksKeeps its heat | America's Test Kitchenon Too Much Wasabi? How to Cool It Down, Fastest Fix First |
| Prepared horseradish (edible) | Refrigerator | one to three monthsEdibility window, distinct from pungency | Tasting Tableon Cooking With Horseradish |
| Prepared horseradish (pungency) | Refrigerator | about two weeksPungency window | Tasting Tableon Cooking With Horseradish |
Japanese curry powder
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Just One Cookbook's homemade blend | Cool dark place or freezer | two monthsrecipe guidance for a homemade blend; no regulator or standards-body shelf life found | Just One Cookbookon Japanese Curry Powder |
Khmeli suneli
2 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khmeli suneli | Jar with a tight-fitting lid, cool, dry place | within 3 monthsthe page calls it Saveur's guidance, not a measured shelf life | Saveuron Khmeli Suneli |
| Saveur's homemade khmeli suneli | Tightly closed jar, cool, dry place | within 3 monthsrecipe guidance for a homemade blend | Saveuron Khmeli Suneli Substitutes |
Lavender
10 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh herbs in general | Refrigerator crisper, resealable bag | up to five daysGeneral figure for fresh herbs; the page says the advice does not name lavender | Government of Canadaon How to Store Lavender |
| Ground spices and dried herbs | Not stated | 1 yearDried herbs in general; not measured on lavender | University of California Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin CountyAmerica's Test Kitchenon How to Store Lavender |
| Homemade herbs in oil | Refrigerator | 4 days Safety | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Store Lavender |
| Lavender sugar (buds layered with sugar in a jar) | Clean jar | six months or longer | Maureen Aboodon Cooking With Lavender |
| Lavender syrup (US Lavender Growers Association recipe) | Refrigerator | up to three weeks | US Lavender Growers Associationon Cooking With Lavender |
| Leafy herbs and most seasoning blends | Not stated | 1 to 3 yearsDried herbs in general; not measured on lavender | McCormickon How to Store Lavender |
| Most dried herbs | Not stated | about 1 yearDried herbs in general; not measured on lavender | Penn State Extensionon How to Store Lavender |
| Oils made with dried herbs | Refrigerator | 4 days Safetysources differ | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Store Lavender |
| Oils made with dried herbs | Refrigerator | up to three months Safetysources differ | Penn State Extension (copy hosted by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources)on How to Store Lavender |
| Oils made with fresh herbs | Refrigerator | 2 to 4 days Safety | Penn State Extension (copy hosted by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources)on How to Store Lavender |
Lemon thyme
3 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herb vinegar | Refrigerator | within 3 monthsUniversity of Maine Extension herb-vinegar guidance, herbs in general | University of Maine Cooperative Extensionon Lemon Thyme Uses |
| Herb vinegar | Cool, dark place | best within 4 to 6 monthsOregon State herb-vinegar guidance, herbs in general; refrigeration best for flavor | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Lemon Thyme Uses |
| Herb-in-oil mixtures | Refrigerator | within 4 days Safetyguidance covers herbs in general, not lemon thyme by name | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Lemon Thyme Uses |
Lemon verbena
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dried lemon verbena leaves | Not stated | two to three yearsretention of scent and flavor; no comparable figure found for dried lemon balm | Penn State Extensionon Lemon Balm vs. Lemon Verbena, Lemon Verbena Substitutes, Ranked by the Job Lemon Verbena Is Doing, Lemon Verbena vs. Lemongrass |
Lemongrass
3 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homemade mixtures of fresh herbs in oil | Refrigerator | within 4 days SafetyIts guidance covers herbs in general, not lemongrass by name | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Cooking With Lemongrass |
| Untrimmed lemongrass stalks, tightly wrapped | Refrigerator | up to 2 weeksPage calls these quality windows from a test kitchen, not food-safety limits | America's Test Kitchenon Cooking With Lemongrass |
| Whole stalks, green tops trimmed, wrapped and bagged | Freezer | up to 3 monthsPage calls these quality windows from a test kitchen, not food-safety limits | America's Test Kitchenon Cooking With Lemongrass |
Loomi
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole dried limes | Not stated | two yearsSaveur says grinding shortens shelf life; no figure for ground | Saveuron Loomi Substitutes, Ranked by What the Dried Lime Is Doing |
Mahlab
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole kernels | Not stated | one or two yearsKatzer's experience (rancidity); no regulator or standards-body figure found | Gernot Katzer's Spice Pageson Mahlab |
Marjoram
14 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dried herbs | Not stated | within a yearsources differBest-flavor window | Wisconsin Master Gardener Program, University of Wisconsin-Madisonon Cooking With Marjoram |
| Dried herbs | Not stated | for yearssources differSame source gives a shorter best-flavor window | Wisconsin Master Gardener Program, University of Wisconsin-Madisonon Cooking With Marjoram |
| Fresh herbs in commercial cold storage | Commercial cold storage at 5°C (41°F) | 2 weekssources differCommercial conditions, colder and more humid than a home fridge; do not compare with home figures | UC Davis Postharvest Research and Extension Centeron Cooking With Marjoram |
| Fresh herbs in commercial cold storage | Commercial cold storage at 0°C (32°F) | 3 weekssources differCommercial conditions, colder and more humid than a home fridge; do not compare with home figures | UC Davis Postharvest Research and Extension Centeron Cooking With Marjoram |
| Fresh herbs in general, stored unwashed | Refrigerator crisper | up to 5 daysGeneral fresh-herb guidance; no marjoram-specific home storage test found | Government of Canadaon Cooking With Marjoram |
| Herbs dried in the microwave by its method | Airtight | up to 3 monthsGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on marjoram | America's Test Kitchenon How to Dry Marjoram |
| Home-dried herbs | Not stated | six months to a yearsources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on marjoram; for best flavor | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Dry Marjoram |
| Home-dried herbs | Not stated | within a yearsources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on marjoram; for best flavor | Wisconsin Master Gardener Program, University of Wisconsin-Madisonon How to Dry Marjoram |
| Home-dried herbs | Not stated | up to one yearsources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on marjoram | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Dry Marjoram |
| Home-dried herbs | Not stated | yearssources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on marjoram; open-ended | Wisconsin Master Gardener Program, University of Wisconsin-Madisonon How to Dry Marjoram |
| Home-prepared vegetables and herbs stored in oil | Refrigerator | four days SafetyGeneral guidance for herbs in oil | International Association for Food Protectionon How to Dry Marjoram |
| Homemade herb-and-oil mixtures | Refrigerator | within 4 days SafetyOregon State guidance covers homemade herb-and-oil mixtures in general, not this herb by name | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Cooking With Marjoram |
| Leafy dried herbs, a spice company's own guidance | Not stated | 1 to 3 yearsGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on marjoram | McCormickon How to Dry Marjoram |
| Most home-dried herbs | Not stated | up to a yearGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on marjoram | Penn State Extensionon How to Dry Marjoram |
Mint
28 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air-dried herbs | Not stated | about a yeargeneral guidance for herbs, not specific to mint | UMass Amherst Extensionon Can You Freeze Mint? Leaves, Ice Cubes and When to Dry It Instead |
| Fresh herbs in general | Refrigerator crisper, resealable bag | up to 5 days SafetyGeneral advice for fresh herbs, not a test of mint | Government of Canadaon How to Store Mint |
| Fresh herbs stored unwashed | Refrigerator crisper | up to 5 daysGeneral fresh-herb guidance | Government of Canadaon Cooking With Mint |
| Fresh mint, in a glass of water or wrapped in plastic | Refrigerator | up to a week | North Dakota State University Extensionon Mint Uses |
| Frozen herbs in general, airtight | Freezer | up to six monthsgeneral guidance for herbs, not specific to mint | South Dakota State University Extensionon Can You Freeze Mint? Leaves, Ice Cubes and When to Dry It Instead |
| Ground spices and dried herbs | Not stated | 1 yearDried herbs in general; not measured on mint | University of California Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin CountyAmerica's Test Kitchenon How to Store Mint |
| Herbs dried at home in the microwave, airtight | Not stated | up to 3 monthsDried herbs in general; not measured on mint | America's Test Kitchenon How to Store Mint |
| Herbs dried in the microwave by its method | Airtight | up to 3 monthsGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on mint | America's Test Kitchenon How to Dry Mint Without Losing It to Mold |
| Home-dried herbs | Not stated | six months to a yearsources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on mint; for best flavor | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Dry Mint Without Losing It to Mold |
| Home-dried herbs | Not stated | within a yearsources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on mint; for best flavor | Wisconsin Master Gardener Program, University of Wisconsin-Madisonon How to Dry Mint Without Losing It to Mold |
| Home-dried herbs | Not stated | up to one yearsources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on mint | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Dry Mint Without Losing It to Mold |
| Home-dried herbs | Not stated | yearssources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on mint; open-ended | Wisconsin Master Gardener Program, University of Wisconsin-Madisonon How to Dry Mint Without Losing It to Mold |
| Home-prepared vegetables and herbs stored in oil | Refrigerator | four days SafetyGeneral guidance for herbs in oil | International Association for Food Protectionon How to Dry Mint Without Losing It to Mold |
| Homemade herb oil | Refrigerator | within 4 days Safetygeneral rule for herbs in oil (botulism risk) | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Mint Uses |
| Homemade mixtures of fresh herbs in oil | Refrigerator | 4 days Safety | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Store Mint |
| Homemade mixtures of fresh herbs in oil (mint oil) | Refrigerator | within 4 days SafetyOregon State guidance covers homemade herb-and-oil mixtures in general, not this herb by name | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Cooking With Mint |
| Leafy dried herbs, a spice company's own guidance | Not stated | 1 to 3 yearsGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on mint | McCormickon How to Dry Mint Without Losing It to Mold |
| Leafy herbs and most seasoning blends | Not stated | 1 to 3 yearsDried herbs in general; not measured on mint | McCormickon How to Store Mint |
| Mint vinegar | Refrigerator | up to six to eight monthsColorado State flavored-vinegar guidance | Colorado State University Extensionon Mint Uses |
| Most dried herbs | Not stated | a yearsources differgeneral guidance for herbs, not specific to mint | Penn State Extensionon Can You Freeze Mint? Leaves, Ice Cubes and When to Dry It Instead |
| Most dried herbs | Not stated | about 1 yearsources differDried herbs in general; not measured on mint | Penn State Extensionon How to Store Mint |
| Most fresh herbs in commercial storage | Commercial storage at 5°C (41°F), above 95% humidity | 2 weekssources differCommercial storage, not a home figure (UC Davis) | UC Davis Postharvest Research and Extension Centeron How to Store Mint |
| Most fresh herbs in commercial storage | Commercial storage at 0°C (32°F), above 95% humidity | 3 weekssources differCommercial storage, not a home figure (UC Davis) | UC Davis Postharvest Research and Extension Centeron How to Store Mint |
| Most home-dried herbs | Not stated | up to a yearGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on mint | Penn State Extensionon How to Dry Mint Without Losing It to Mold |
| Oils made with dried herbs | Refrigerator | 4 days Safetysources differ | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Store Mint |
| Oils made with dried herbs | Refrigerator | up to three months Safetysources differ | Penn State Extension (copy hosted by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources)on How to Store Mint |
| Oils made with fresh herbs | Refrigerator | 2 to 4 days Safety | Penn State Extension (copy hosted by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources)on How to Store Mint |
| Refrigerated herb-in-oil mixtures | Refrigerator | 4 days Safety | International Association for Food Protectionon Can You Freeze Mint? Leaves, Ice Cubes and When to Dry It Instead |
Mustard
2 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground spices (general guideline) | Not stated | one yeargeneral guideline applied on the page to mustard powder; not measured on mustard | America's Test Kitchenon Mustard Powder vs. Mustard Seed |
| Whole spices (general guideline) | Not stated | about two yearsgeneral guideline applied on the page to mustard seed; not measured on mustard | America's Test Kitchenon Mustard Powder vs. Mustard Seed |
Nanami togarashi
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Killebrew's homemade blend | Airtight container | within a few weekshomemade blend; no shelf life for commercial blends found | The Daring Gourmeton Nanami Togarashi |
Niter kibbeh
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spiced clarified butter (Ethiopian) | Not stated | about 2 months | Saveuron Ethiopian Spices |
Nutmeg
4 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground spices | Tightly covered container away from heat and light | 1 yearGeneral guidance for ground spices, not specific to this ingredient | University of California Cooperative Extensionon Cooking With Nutmeg |
| Pre-ground nutmeg | Not stated | within months of openingMilk Street tasting; faded within this window | Milk Streeton Cooking With Nutmeg |
| Whole nutmeg | Not stated | a yearMilk Street tasting: a year-old whole nutmeg still performed well | Milk Streeton Cooking With Nutmeg |
| Whole spices | Tightly covered container away from heat and light | 2 yearsGeneral guidance for whole spices | University of California Cooperative Extensionon Cooking With Nutmeg |
Onion
6 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cut onions | Refrigerator, sealed | several days | National Onion Associationon Onion Powder vs. Fresh Onion |
| Fall and winter onions, foodservice handling | 45 to 55°F, dry and well ventilated | 30 to 180 daysdifferent conditions and onion types | National Onion Associationon Onion Powder vs. Fresh Onion |
| Ground spices (general rule, applied to onion powder) | Not stated | about a yeargeneral rule for ground spices; the page found no source for a four-year onion powder claim | America's Test Kitchenon Onion Powder vs. Fresh Onion |
| Home-grown cured onions, good keepers | 32 to 40°F, 65 to 70% relative humidity | several monthsdifferent conditions and onion types | Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Yard and Gardenon Onion Powder vs. Fresh Onion |
| Home-grown cured onions, poor keepers such as 'Walla Walla' and 'Candy' | 32 to 40°F, 65 to 70% relative humidity | a few weeksdifferent conditions and onion types | Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Yard and Gardenon Onion Powder vs. Fresh Onion |
| Spring and summer onions, foodservice handling | 45 to 55°F, dry and well ventilated | 30 to 60 daysdifferent conditions and onion types | National Onion Associationon Onion Powder vs. Fresh Onion |
Orange mint
2 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herb vinegar (Colorado State method) | Refrigerator | six to eight monthsDiscard any batch that shows mold or fermentation | Colorado State University Extensionon Cooking With Orange Mint |
| Herb vinegar (Colorado State method) | Cool, dark place | up to three monthsDiscard any batch that shows mold or fermentation | Colorado State University Extensionon Cooking With Orange Mint |
Oregano
14 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen herbs | Freezer | 3 to 6 monthssources differgeneral guidance for herbs, not specific to oregano | Ohio State University Extensionon Can You Freeze Oregano? Methods, Storage Time and Oil Safety |
| Frozen herbs | Freezer | a year or longer Safetysources differOhio State says frozen herbs may be safe after a year or longer; general guidance for herbs, not specific to oregano | Ohio State University Extensionon Can You Freeze Oregano? Methods, Storage Time and Oil Safety |
| Herb-and-oil mixtures | Refrigerator | within 4 days Safetygeneral rule for fresh herbs in oil | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Oregano Uses |
| Herbs dried in the microwave by its method | Airtight | up to 3 monthsGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on oregano | America's Test Kitchenon How to Dry Oregano |
| Home-dried herbs | Not stated | six months to a yearsources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on oregano; for best flavor | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Dry Oregano |
| Home-dried herbs | Not stated | within a yearsources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on oregano; for best flavor | Wisconsin Master Gardener Program, University of Wisconsin-Madisonon How to Dry Oregano |
| Home-dried herbs | Not stated | up to one yearsources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on oregano | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Dry Oregano |
| Home-dried herbs | Not stated | yearssources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on oregano; open-ended | Wisconsin Master Gardener Program, University of Wisconsin-Madisonon How to Dry Oregano |
| Home-prepared vegetables and herbs stored in oil | Refrigerator | four days SafetyGeneral guidance for herbs in oil | International Association for Food Protectionon How to Dry Oregano |
| Homemade herbs in oil | Refrigerator | 4 days Safetygeneral guidance for herbs, not specific to oregano | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Can You Freeze Oregano? Methods, Storage Time and Oil Safety |
| Leafy dried herbs, a spice company's own guidance | Not stated | 1 to 3 yearsGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on oregano | McCormickon How to Dry Oregano |
| Most dried herbs | Not stated | a yeargeneral guidance for herbs, not specific to oregano | Penn State Extensionon Can You Freeze Oregano? Methods, Storage Time and Oil Safety |
| Most home-dried herbs | Not stated | up to a yearGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on oregano | Penn State Extensionon How to Dry Oregano |
| Oregano in oil (homemade) | Refrigerator | within 4 days SafetyOregon State guidance covers homemade herb-and-oil mixtures in general, not this herb by name | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Cooking With Oregano |
Paprika
2 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paprika | Not stated | 1 yearsources differCategory figure applied to this spice; not measured on it; UC Extension advises refrigerating for color retention | University of California Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin CountyAmerica's Test Kitchenon How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
| Paprika | Not stated | 2 to 4 yearssources differCategory figure applied to this spice; not measured on it; UC Extension advises refrigerating for color retention | McCormickon How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
Parsley
22 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dried herbs in oil | Refrigerator | 4 days Safetysources differ | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Store Parsley |
| Dried herbs in oil | Refrigerator | up to three months Safetysources differ | Penn State Extension (copy hosted by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources)on How to Store Parsley |
| Fresh herbs in general | Refrigerator crisper, resealable bag | up to 5 days SafetyGeneral advice for fresh herbs, not a test of parsley | Government of Canadaon How to Store Parsley |
| Fresh herbs in oil made at home | Refrigerator | 4 days Safety | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Store Parsley |
| Frozen herbs | Freezer | 3 to 6 monthssources differgeneral guidance for herbs, not specific to parsley | Ohio State University Extensionon Can You Freeze Parsley? Methods, Storage Time and Best Uses |
| Frozen herbs | Freezer | a year or longer Safetysources differOhio State says frozen herbs may be safe after a year or longer; general guidance for herbs, not specific to parsley | Ohio State University Extensionon Can You Freeze Parsley? Methods, Storage Time and Best Uses |
| Ground spices and dried herbs | Not stated | 1 yearDried herbs in general; not measured on parsley | University of California Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin CountyAmerica's Test Kitchenon How to Store Parsley |
| Herbs dried at home in the microwave, airtight | Not stated | up to 3 monthsDried herbs in general; not measured on parsley | America's Test Kitchenon How to Store Parsley |
| Herbs dried in the microwave by its method | Airtight | up to 3 monthsGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on parsley | America's Test Kitchenon How to Dry Parsley |
| Home-dried herbs | Not stated | six months to a yearsources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on parsley; for best flavor | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Dry Parsley |
| Home-dried herbs | Not stated | within a yearsources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on parsley; for best flavor | Wisconsin Master Gardener Program, University of Wisconsin-Madisonon How to Dry Parsley |
| Home-dried herbs | Not stated | up to one yearsources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on parsley | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Dry Parsley |
| Home-dried herbs | Not stated | yearssources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on parsley; open-ended | Wisconsin Master Gardener Program, University of Wisconsin-Madisonon How to Dry Parsley |
| Home-prepared vegetables and herbs stored in oil | Refrigerator | four days SafetyGeneral guidance for herbs in oil | International Association for Food Protectionon How to Dry Parsley |
| Homemade herbs in oil | Refrigerator | 4 days Safetygeneral guidance for herbs, not specific to parsley | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Can You Freeze Parsley? Methods, Storage Time and Best Uses |
| Leafy dried herbs, a spice company's own guidance | Not stated | 1 to 3 yearsGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on parsley | McCormickon How to Dry Parsley |
| Leafy herbs and most seasoning blends | Not stated | 1 to 3 yearsDried herbs in general; not measured on parsley | McCormickon How to Store Parsley |
| Most dried herbs | Not stated | about 1 yearDried herbs in general; not measured on parsley | Penn State Extensionon How to Store Parsley |
| Most fresh herbs in commercial storage | Commercial storage at 5°C (41°F), above 95% humidity | 2 weekssources differCommercial storage, not a home figure (UC Davis) | UC Davis Postharvest Research and Extension Centeron How to Store Parsley |
| Most fresh herbs in commercial storage | Commercial storage at 0°C (32°F), above 95% humidity | 3 weekssources differCommercial storage, not a home figure (UC Davis) | UC Davis Postharvest Research and Extension Centeron How to Store Parsley |
| Most home-dried herbs | Not stated | up to a yearGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on parsley | Penn State Extensionon How to Dry Parsley |
| Oils made with fresh herbs | Refrigerator | 2 to 4 days Safety | Penn State Extension (copy hosted by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources)on How to Store Parsley |
Poultry seasoning
3 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Network Kitchen's homemade dried blend | Airtight container | up to 6 monthsapplies to its own homemade mix; no regulator or standards body publishes a shelf life for dried herb blends | Food Networkon Poultry Seasoning |
| Saveur's fresh-herb blend | Refrigerator | about 3 daysa fresh-herb blend; recipe guidance | Saveuron Poultry Seasoning |
| Saveur's fresh-herb poultry seasoning | Refrigerator | about 3 daysa fresh-herb blend; recipe guidance | Saveuron Poultry Seasoning Substitutes |
Quatre epices
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saveur's quatre epices | Airtight, cool, dark place | up to six monthsone recipe writer's guidance, not a tested shelf life | Saveuron Quatre Épices |
Ras el hanout
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saveur's ras el hanout | Airtight container | up to 2 monthsrecipe guidance, not a measured shelf life | Saveuron Ras el Hanout |
Rasam powder
2 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dassana Amit's homemade rasam powder (200 g batch) | Airtight glass or steel jar, cool, dry place, or refrigerator or freezer | about three monthsfigure assumes rasam once or twice a week | Dassana's Veg Recipeson Rasam Powder |
| Swasthi Shreekanth's homemade rasam powder | Not stated | 6 to 12 monthsshe suggests small well-wrapped packs in the fridge or freezer | Swasthi's Recipes (indianhealthyrecipes.com)on Rasam Powder |
Rosemary
30 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh herbs in general | Home crisper drawer | up to 5 daysGeneral fresh-herb guidance, home storage | Government of Canadaon Cooking With Rosemary |
| Fresh herbs in general | Refrigerator crisper, resealable bag | up to 5 days SafetyGeneral advice for fresh herbs, not a test of rosemary | Government of Canadaon How to Store Rosemary |
| Fresh herbs in oil made at home | Refrigerator | 4 days Safety | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Store Rosemary |
| Frozen herbs | Freezer | 3 to 6 monthssources differgeneral guidance for herbs, not specific to rosemary | Ohio State University Extensionon Can You Freeze Rosemary? Methods, Storage Time and What the Research Shows |
| Frozen herbs | Freezer | a year or longer Safetysources differOhio State says frozen herbs may be safe after a year or longer; general guidance for herbs, not specific to rosemary | Ohio State University Extensionon Can You Freeze Rosemary? Methods, Storage Time and What the Research Shows |
| Frozen herbs | Freezer | up to six monthssources differGeneral guidance for frozen herbs | South Dakota State University Extensionon Cooking With Rosemary |
| Ground spices and dried herbs | Not stated | 1 yearDried herbs in general; not measured on rosemary | University of California Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin CountyAmerica's Test Kitchenon How to Store Rosemary |
| Herb vinegar (Colorado State method) | Refrigerator | six to eight monthsDiscard any batch that shows mold or fermentation | Colorado State University Extensionon Cooking With Rosemary |
| Herb vinegar (Colorado State method) | Cool, dark place | up to three monthsDiscard any batch that shows mold or fermentation | Colorado State University Extensionon Cooking With Rosemary |
| Herbs dried in the microwave by its method | Airtight | up to 3 monthsGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on rosemary | America's Test Kitchenon How to Dry Rosemary |
| Home-dried herbs | Not stated | six months to a yearsources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on rosemary; for best flavor | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Dry Rosemary |
| Home-dried herbs | Not stated | within a yearsources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on rosemary; for best flavor | Wisconsin Master Gardener Program, University of Wisconsin-Madisonon How to Dry Rosemary |
| Home-dried herbs | Not stated | up to one yearsources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on rosemary | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Dry Rosemary |
| Home-dried herbs | Not stated | yearssources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on rosemary; open-ended | Wisconsin Master Gardener Program, University of Wisconsin-Madisonon How to Dry Rosemary |
| Home-prepared vegetables and herbs stored in oil | Refrigerator | four days SafetyGeneral guidance for herbs in oil | International Association for Food Protectionon How to Dry Rosemary |
| Homemade herb oil | Refrigerator | within 4 days Safetygeneral rule for herbs in oil (botulism risk) | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Rosemary Uses |
| Homemade herb oil (rosemary oil) | Refrigerator | within 4 days SafetyOregon State guidance covers homemade herb-and-oil mixtures in general, not this herb by name | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Cooking With Rosemary |
| Homemade herbs in oil | Refrigerator | 4 days Safetygeneral guidance for herbs, not specific to rosemary | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Can You Freeze Rosemary? Methods, Storage Time and What the Research Shows |
| Leafy dried herbs, a spice company's own guidance | Not stated | 1 to 3 yearsGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on rosemary | McCormickon How to Dry Rosemary |
| Leafy herbs "such as basil, oregano, rosemary" and most blends | Not stated | 1 to 3 yearsDried herbs in general; not measured on rosemary; McCormick names rosemary | McCormickon How to Store Rosemary |
| Most dried herbs | Not stated | about 1 yearDried herbs in general; not measured on rosemary | Penn State Extensionon How to Store Rosemary |
| Most fresh herbs in commercial storage | Commercial storage at 5°C (41°F) | 2 weekssources differCommercial storage; do not compare with home figures | UC Davis Postharvest Research and Extension Centeron Cooking With Rosemary |
| Most fresh herbs in commercial storage | Commercial storage at 5°C (41°F), above 95% humidity | 2 weekssources differCommercial storage, not a home figure (UC Davis) | UC Davis Postharvest Research and Extension Centeron How to Store Rosemary |
| Most fresh herbs in commercial storage | Commercial storage at 0°C (32°F) | 3 weekssources differCommercial storage just above freezing; do not compare with home figures | UC Davis Postharvest Research and Extension Centeron Cooking With Rosemary |
| Most fresh herbs in commercial storage | Commercial storage at 0°C (32°F), above 95% humidity | 3 weekssources differCommercial storage, not a home figure (UC Davis) | UC Davis Postharvest Research and Extension Centeron How to Store Rosemary |
| Most home-dried herbs | Not stated | up to a yearGeneral figure for dried herbs; the page says none was measured on rosemary | Penn State Extensionon How to Dry Rosemary |
| Oils made with dried herbs | Refrigerator | 4 days Safetysources differ | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Store Rosemary |
| Oils made with dried herbs | Refrigerator | up to three months Safetysources differ | Penn State Extension (copy hosted by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources)on How to Store Rosemary |
| Oils made with fresh herbs | Refrigerator | 2 to 4 days Safety | Penn State Extension (copy hosted by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources)on How to Store Rosemary |
| Rosemary vinegar | Refrigerator | up to six to eight monthsColorado State flavored-vinegar guidance | Colorado State University Extensionon Rosemary Uses |
Saffron
12 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dried saffron | Dark, water activity 0.75 (highest humidity tested) | 4.2 weekssources differLab study (Bolandi et al., 2008), glass containers with airtight lids; not a forecast for a kitchen | IDOSI Publicationson How to Store Saffron |
| Dried saffron | Light, water activity 0.75 (highest humidity tested) | 4.6 weekssources differLab study (Bolandi et al., 2008), glass containers with airtight lids; not a forecast for a kitchen | IDOSI Publicationson How to Store Saffron |
| Dried saffron | Light, 40°C | 6.3 weekssources differLab study (Bolandi et al., 2008), glass containers with airtight lids; not a forecast for a kitchen | IDOSI Publicationson How to Store Saffron |
| Dried saffron | Dark, 40°C | 7.4 weekssources differLab study (Bolandi et al., 2008), glass containers with airtight lids; not a forecast for a kitchen | IDOSI Publicationson How to Store Saffron |
| Dried saffron | Light, 30°C | 11.3 weekssources differLab study (Bolandi et al., 2008), glass containers with airtight lids; not a forecast for a kitchen | IDOSI Publicationson How to Store Saffron |
| Dried saffron | Dark, 30°C | 16.4 weekssources differLab study (Bolandi et al., 2008), glass containers with airtight lids; not a forecast for a kitchen | IDOSI Publicationson How to Store Saffron |
| Dried saffron | Light, 20°C | 23.5 weekssources differLab study (Bolandi et al., 2008), glass containers with airtight lids; not a forecast for a kitchen | IDOSI Publicationson How to Store Saffron |
| Dried saffron | Dark, 20°C | 31.1 weekssources differLab study (Bolandi et al., 2008), glass containers with airtight lids; not a forecast for a kitchen | IDOSI Publicationson How to Store Saffron |
| Dried saffron | Light, water activity 0.32 (lowest humidity tested) | 35.2 weekssources differLab study (Bolandi et al., 2008), glass containers with airtight lids; not a forecast for a kitchen | IDOSI Publicationson How to Store Saffron |
| Dried saffron | Dark, water activity 0.32 (lowest humidity tested) | 40.9 weekssources differLab study (Bolandi et al., 2008), glass containers with airtight lids; not a forecast for a kitchen; the same paper's discussion text gives more than 3 years for these conditions and does not reconcile the two | IDOSI Publicationson How to Store Saffron |
| Dried saffron | Dark, water activity 0.32 (lowest humidity tested) | More than 3 yearssources differLab study (Bolandi et al., 2008), glass containers with airtight lids; not a forecast for a kitchen; the same paper's table gives 40.9 weeks for these conditions and does not reconcile the two | IDOSI Publicationson How to Store Saffron |
| Saffron in airtight glass containers | Airtight glass, dark, lowest humidity tested | more than 3 years2008 storage study; shelf life based on coloring strength (crocin). The 'use within six months' rule could not be traced | IDOSI Publicationson Cooking With Saffron |
Sage
17 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dried herbs | Airtight | Up to 3 monthsGeneral figure for dried herbs; not measured on sage | South Dakota State University Extensionon How to Store Sage |
| Dried herbs | Refrigerator or freezer | up to a yearGeneral figure for dried herbs; not measured on sage | South Dakota State University Extensionon How to Store Sage |
| Dried herbs | Not stated | within one yearsources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; not measured on sage | University of Illinois Extensionon How to Store Sage |
| Dried herbs | Not stated | Up to a yearsources differGeneral figure for dried herbs; not measured on sage | Ohio State University Extensionon How to Store Sage |
| Frozen herbs | Freezer | 3 to 6 monthssources differGeneral figure for frozen herbs, best quality | Ohio State University Extensionon How to Store Sage |
| Frozen herbs | Freezer, airtight container | Up to 6 monthssources differGeneral figure for frozen herbs, best quality | South Dakota State University Extensionon How to Store Sage |
| Ground spices and dried herbs | Not stated | 1 yearGeneral figure for dried herbs; not measured on sage | University of California Cooperative Extensionon How to Store Sage |
| Harvested fresh herbs | Refrigerator | a few daysGeneral figure for fresh herbs; the page found no sage-specific figure | Ohio State University Extensionon How to Store Sage |
| Herb vinegar (Colorado State method) | Refrigerator | six to eight monthsDiscard any batch that shows mold or fermentation | Colorado State University Extensionon Cooking With Sage |
| Herb vinegar (Colorado State method) | Cool, dark place | up to three monthsDiscard any batch that shows mold or fermentation | Colorado State University Extensionon Cooking With Sage |
| Herb-and-oil mixtures, including oil flavored with dried herbs | Refrigerator | 4 days Safety | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Store Sage |
| Herbs dried at home in the microwave | Airtight | Up to 3 monthsGeneral figure for microwave-dried herbs; not measured on sage | America's Test Kitchenon How to Store Sage |
| Home-made herb-infused oils | Refrigerator | 2 to 4 days at most Safety | University of Idaho, Oregon State University and Washington State University Extensionon How to Store Sage |
| Most dried herbs | Not stated | one yearGeneral figure for dried herbs; not measured on sage | Penn State Extensionon How to Store Sage |
| Sage vinegar | Refrigerator | up to six to eight monthsColorado State flavored-vinegar guidance | Colorado State University Extensionon Sage Uses |
| Sage vinegar, strained | Refrigerator | up to six to eight months | Colorado State University Extensionon How to Store Sage |
| Sage vinegar, strained | Cool, dark place (65°F or below) | up to three months | Colorado State University Extensionon How to Store Sage |
Salt
6 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iodized table salt, iodized sea salt | Not stated | 5 yearsMorton's recommended use-by for its own products; it says salt itself has no expiration date | Morton Salton Do Spices Go Bad? Shelf Life, Safety and How to Tell |
| Morton iodized salts | Not stated | 5-year recommended use-byOne manufacturer's figure for its own products; Morton says salt itself has no expiration date | Morton Salton How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
| Morton natural sea salt without an anti-caking agent | Not stated | 3 yearsOne manufacturer's figure for its own product | Morton Salton How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
| Natural all-purpose sea salt (no anti-caking agent) | Not stated | 3 yearsMorton's recommended use-by for its own product | Morton Salton Do Spices Go Bad? Shelf Life, Safety and How to Tell |
| Plain table salt, sea salts, kosher salt | Not stated | 5 yearsMorton's recommended use-by for its own products | Morton Salton Do Spices Go Bad? Shelf Life, Safety and How to Tell |
| Salt | Not stated | indefinite | McCormickon Do Spices Go Bad? Shelf Life, Safety and How to Tell, How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
Sambar powder
2 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dassana Amit's sambar powder blend | Airtight jar, cool, dry place | 3 to 4 monthsPublisher guidance, not a measured shelf life; refrigerate in hot, humid climates | Dassana's Veg Recipeson Sambar Powder |
| Saveur's sambar powder blend | Airtight container | up to 3 monthsPublisher guidance, not a measured shelf life | Saveuron Sambar Powder |
Saw leaf
2 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packaged leaves | Packaged, 28 °C | 4 dayssources differ | Plant Resources of South-East Asia, via Pl@ntUseon Saw Leaf Herb (Ngò Gai) |
| Packaged leaves | Packaged, 10 °C | up to 2 weekssources differ | Plant Resources of South-East Asia, via Pl@ntUseon Saw Leaf Herb (Ngò Gai) |
Seasoned salt
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season-All seasoned salt | Not stated | 2 yearsMorton's recommended use-by for its own product | Morton Salton Do Spices Go Bad? Shelf Life, Safety and How to Tell |
Sesame seed
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seed with less than 8% moisture | Airtight containers | up to two yearsFigure for dried seed in storage, not for an opened jar in a kitchen | Plant Resources of South-East Asia, via Pl@ntUseon Sesame Seeds |
Shawarma spice
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| The blend | Airtight, cool, dry place | up to 6 months | Leite's Culinariaon Shawarma Spice |
Sichuan pepper
2 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sichuan pepper | Not stated | a few monthsLoses potency after a few months; not a precise span | The Woks of Lifeon Sansho Pepper Substitutes, Szechuan Pepper |
| Whole Sichuan peppercorns | Airtight, away from light and moisture | a few yearsPublication's guidance, not a measured shelf life; not a precise span | The Woks of Lifeon Szechuan Pepper |
Spices and herbs (general)
27 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dried leafy herbs | Not stated | 1 yearsources differUC groups dried leafy herbs with ground spices | University of California Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin CountyAmerica's Test Kitchenon Do Spices Go Bad? Shelf Life, Safety and How to Tell |
| Dried leafy herbs | Not stated | 1 to 3 yearssources differ | McCormickon Do Spices Go Bad? Shelf Life, Safety and How to Tell |
| Dried leafy herbs (basil, oregano, rosemary) | Not stated | 1 yearsources differGeneral category figure, not measured on individual spices; UC groups dried herbs with ground spices | University of California Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin CountyAmerica's Test Kitchenon How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
| Dried leafy herbs (basil, oregano, rosemary) | Not stated | 1 to 3 yearssources differGeneral category figure, not measured on individual spices | McCormickon How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
| Dried seasonings, herbs and spices in jars | In jars | about 1 to 2 yearsMcCormick's single rule of thumb, alongside its category figures | McCormickon How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
| Ground spices | Not stated | 1 yearsources differgeneral extension guidance cited on the mace vs. nutmeg page; not measured on mace or nutmeg | University of California Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin CountyAmerica's Test Kitchenon The Best Containers for Spices, Mace vs. Nutmeg |
| Ground spices | Not stated | 1 yearsources differgeneral guidance for ground spices, not measured on this ingredient | University of California Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin CountyAmerica's Test Kitchenon Do Spices Go Bad? Shelf Life, Safety and How to Tell, Fresh Ginger vs. Ground Ginger, Freshly Grated vs. Ground Nutmeg, Fresh Turmeric vs. Turmeric Powder |
| Ground spices | Not stated | 2 to 4 yearssources differMcCormick is a spice company's own guidance | McCormickon The Best Containers for Spices |
| Ground spices | Not stated | 2 to 4 yearssources differMcCormick defines shelf life as the time spices are most aromatic and delicious | McCormickon Do Spices Go Bad? Shelf Life, Safety and How to Tell, Fresh Ginger vs. Ground Ginger, Freshly Grated vs. Ground Nutmeg, Fresh Turmeric vs. Turmeric Powder |
| Ground spices (cumin, ginger, paprika, chili powder) | Not stated | 1 yearsources differGeneral category figure, not measured on individual spices | University of California Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin CountyAmerica's Test Kitchenon How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
| Ground spices (cumin, ginger, paprika, chili powder) | Not stated | 2 to 4 yearssources differGeneral category figure, not measured on individual spices | McCormickon How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
| Ground spices and herbs | Airtight, dark, cool | 1 yeargeneral guidance, not measured on sage | University of California Cooperative Extensionon Fresh Sage vs. Dried Sage |
| Ground spices and herbs | Airtight, away from air, light, moisture and heat | 1 yeargeneral guidance, not measured on thyme | University of California Cooperative Extensionon Fresh Thyme vs. Dried Thyme |
| Ground spices generally | Not stated | about 1 yearGeneral ground-spice guideline the page applies to wasabi powder; no published figure for an opened tube | America's Test Kitchenon Wasabi Powder vs. Paste |
| Herbs dried in the microwave and stored airtight | Airtight | up to 3 monthshomemade microwave-dried herbs | America's Test Kitchenon Dried Herbs vs. Fresh |
| Homemade herb-infused oils | Refrigerator | 4-day Safety | Colorado State University Extension (copy hosted by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources)on How to Rehydrate Dried Herbs |
| Homemade mixtures of dried herbs in oil | Refrigerator | 4 days Safety | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Rehydrate Dried Herbs |
| Leafy herbs | Not stated | 1 yearsources differ | University of California Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin CountyAmerica's Test Kitchenon The Best Containers for Spices |
| Leafy herbs | Not stated | 1 to 3 yearssources differMcCormick is a spice company's own guidance | McCormickon The Best Containers for Spices |
| Most dried herbs | Airtight containers, cool, dry, dark place | one year | Penn State Extensionon Dried Herbs vs. Fresh |
| Most seasoning blends | Not stated | 1 to 3 yearsGeneral category figure, not measured on individual spices; UC and ATK give no figure | McCormickon How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
| Seasoning blends | Not stated | 1 to 3 years for most | McCormickon Do Spices Go Bad? Shelf Life, Safety and How to Tell |
| Whole spices | Not stated | 2 yearssources differgeneral extension guidance cited on the mace vs. nutmeg page; not measured on mace or nutmeg | University of California Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin CountyAmerica's Test Kitchenon The Best Containers for Spices, Mace vs. Nutmeg |
| Whole spices | Not stated | 2 yearssources differgeneral guidance, not measured on nutmeg | University of California Cooperative Extensionon Freshly Grated vs. Ground Nutmeg |
| Whole spices | Not stated | 3 to 4 yearssources differMcCormick is a spice company's own guidance | McCormickon The Best Containers for Spices |
| Whole spices (peppercorns, allspice, seeds such as caraway) | Not stated | 2 yearssources differUC Cooperative Extension, 2002 | University of California Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin CountyAmerica's Test Kitchenon Do Spices Go Bad? Shelf Life, Safety and How to Tell, How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
| Whole spices (peppercorns, allspice, seeds such as caraway) | Not stated | 3 to 4 yearssources differMcCormick defines shelf life as the time spices are most aromatic and delicious | McCormickon Do Spices Go Bad? Shelf Life, Safety and How to Tell, How Long Can Spices Last? Shelf Life of Whole, Ground and Dried Herbs, Spice by Spice |
Sumac
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground spices | Not stated | 1 yearGeneral guidance for ground spices; page found no sumac-specific figure | America's Test KitchenUniversity of California Cooperative Extensionon Cooking With Sumac |
Summer savory
4 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chopped herbs frozen in ice cube trays (water, broth or oil) | Freezer | 3 to 6 months | Ohio State University Extensionon Cooking With Summer Savory |
| Fresh herbs | Refrigerator | a few daysGeneral fresh-herb guidance; page found no source for the 'few weeks' often quoted for savory | Ohio State University Extensionon Cooking With Summer Savory |
| Herbs in oil | Refrigerator | within 4 days SafetyOregon State guidance covers homemade herb-and-oil mixtures in general, not this herb by name | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Cooking With Summer Savory |
| Most dried herbs | Not stated | one yearGeneral guidance for dried herbs | Penn State Extensionon Cooking With Summer Savory |
Tandoori masala
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anupy Singla's homemade blend | Not stated | up to 6 monthsOne author's guidance, not a measured shelf life | Indian As Apple Pie (cookbook author's blog; also sells spices)on Tandoori Masala |
Tarragon
12 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen herbs | Freezer | 3 to 6 monthssources differgeneral guidance for herbs, not specific to tarragon | Ohio State University Extensionon Can You Freeze Tarragon? Why Freezing Beats Drying, and How to Do It, How to Store Tarragon |
| Frozen herbs | Freezer | a year or longer Safetysources differOhio State says frozen herbs may be safe after a year or longer; general guidance for herbs, not specific to tarragon | Ohio State University Extensionon Can You Freeze Tarragon? Why Freezing Beats Drying, and How to Do It |
| Frozen herbs | Freezer, airtight container | up to 6 monthssources differgeneral figure for herbs, not measured on tarragon | South Dakota State University Extensionon How to Store Tarragon |
| Harvested fresh herbs | Refrigerator | a few daysgeneral figure for herbs, not measured on tarragon; longer figures circulating are untraced per the page | Ohio State University Extensionon How to Store Tarragon |
| Herb-and-oil mixtures | Refrigerator | within 4 days Safetygeneral rule for herbs in oil (botulism risk); never at room temperature | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Store Tarragon |
| Homemade fresh or dried herbs in oil | Refrigerator | 4 days Safety | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Dry Tarragon Without Losing Its Flavor |
| Homemade herbs in oil | Refrigerator | 4 days Safetygeneral guidance for herbs, not specific to tarragon | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Can You Freeze Tarragon? Why Freezing Beats Drying, and How to Do It |
| Microwave-dried herbs | Not stated | up to 3 monthsGeneral figure; the page says it is not specific to tarragon | America's Test Kitchenon How to Dry Tarragon Without Losing Its Flavor |
| Most dried herbs | Not stated | about a yearsources differgeneral guidance for dried herbs; the page judges it generous for tarragon and found no tarragon-specific figure | Penn State Extensionon How to Store Tarragon |
| Most dried herbs | Not stated | up to a yearsources differGeneral figure; the page says it is not specific to tarragon | Penn State Extensionon How to Dry Tarragon Without Losing Its Flavor |
| Tarragon vinegar | Refrigerator | up to six to eight monthsColorado State flavored-vinegar method, herbs in general | Colorado State University Extensionon How to Store Tarragon |
| Tarragon vinegar | Cool, dark place (65°F or below) | up to three monthsColorado State flavored-vinegar method, herbs in general | Colorado State University Extensionon How to Store Tarragon |
Thyme
17 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dried herbs | Airtight container | up to 3 monthsgeneral figure for herbs, not measured on thyme | South Dakota State University Extensionon How to Store Thyme |
| Dried herbs | Refrigerator or freezer | up to a yeargeneral figure for herbs, not measured on thyme | South Dakota State University Extensionon How to Store Thyme |
| Dried herbs | Not stated | within one yearsources differgeneral figure for herbs, not measured on thyme | University of Illinois Extensionon How to Store Thyme |
| Dried herbs | Not stated | up to a yearsources differgeneral figure for herbs, not measured on thyme | Ohio State University Extensionon How to Store Thyme |
| Frozen herbs | Freezer | 3 to 6 monthssources differgeneral guidance for herbs, not specific to thyme | Ohio State University Extensionon Can You Freeze Thyme? Methods, Storage Time and What the Research Shows |
| Frozen herbs | Freezer | within 3 to 6 monthssources differgeneral figure for herbs, not measured on thyme | Ohio State University Extensionon How to Store Thyme |
| Frozen herbs | Freezer | a year or longer Safetysources differOhio State says frozen herbs may be safe after a year or longer; general guidance for herbs, not specific to thyme | Ohio State University Extensionon Can You Freeze Thyme? Methods, Storage Time and What the Research Shows |
| Frozen herbs | Freezer, airtight container | up to six monthssources differgeneral figure for herbs, not measured on thyme | South Dakota State University Extensionon How to Store Thyme |
| Ground spices and dried herbs | Not stated | 1 yeargeneral figure for herbs, not measured on thyme | University of California Cooperative Extensionon How to Store Thyme |
| Harvested fresh herbs | Refrigerator | a few daysgeneral figure for herbs, not measured on thyme | Ohio State University Extensionon How to Store Thyme |
| Herb-and-oil mixtures | Refrigerator | within 4 days Safetygeneral rule for herbs in oil (botulism risk) | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon How to Store Thyme |
| Herbs dried at home in the microwave | Airtight container | up to 3 monthsgeneral figure for herbs, not measured on thyme | America's Test Kitchenon How to Store Thyme |
| Homemade herbs in oil | Refrigerator | 4 days Safetygeneral guidance for herbs, not specific to thyme | Oregon State University Extension Serviceon Can You Freeze Thyme? Methods, Storage Time and What the Research Shows |
| Most dried herbs | Not stated | one yearGeneral guidance for dried herbs | Penn State Extensionon Cooking With Thyme |
| Most dried herbs | Not stated | one yeargeneral figure for herbs, not measured on thyme | Penn State Extensionon How to Store Thyme |
| Thyme vinegar | Refrigerator | up to six to eight monthsColorado State flavored-vinegar method, herbs in general | Colorado State University Extensionon How to Store Thyme |
| Thyme vinegar | Cool, dark place (65°F or below) | up to three monthsColorado State flavored-vinegar method, herbs in general | Colorado State University Extensionon How to Store Thyme |
Vanilla sugar
2 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATK vanilla sugar | Airtight container | up to 1 month | America's Test Kitchenon Vanilla Sugar Uses |
| Jessica Rudolph's Vanilla Bean Sugar | Not stated | up to 1 month | America's Test Kitchenon Vanilla Sugar |
Wasabi
2 durations| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grated wasabi | Freezer, -10°C or colder | two monthsStudy length; isothiocyanate levels held steady over it | Lincoln University, New Zealandon Cooking With Wasabi |
| Whole wasabi rhizomes wrapped in a damp towel | Refrigerator | as long as three weeks | Marx Foodson Cooking With Wasabi |
Worcestershire powder
1 duration| Item | Storage | Keeps for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worcestershire powder | Cool, dry place | 2 years | Spice Jungleon Worcestershire Powder |
How to read the index
- Safety
- the source gives a limit for safe eating, for example for garlic or herbs stored in oil. Follow these exactly.
- Unlabeled
- how long the source says the ingredient keeps. Many sources mean how long it keeps its flavor and color, not a safety date; the linked source has its exact wording.
- Sources differ
- another source gives a different duration for the same item and storage; both are listed
Each duration is quoted as the source states it, for the form and storage the source names. Durations for different forms (whole and ground, fresh and dried) or different storage are not comparable with each other. The figures come from the sources cited on SPICEography's reviewed pages; the page each one appears on is linked in the Source column, and the editorial standards explain how sources are chosen.