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Tag: spice

How Old are Your Spices?

Store spices and herbs in a cool, dry, dark cabinet for best storage conditions.

Do you ever buy a can of herbs and only use it once? It happens to all of us. Then we have a cabinet full of herbs and spices that get old go out of date.

Here’s a general guide for how long to store herbs and spices:

  • Dry herbs—1-3 years
  • Ground spices—2-3 years
  • Whole spices—3-4 years
  • Seasoning/Herb blends—1-2 years
  • Extracts (except vanilla extract) – 4 years

Source: Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter Special Supplement, June 2017

 

The Benefits of Turmeric

Research has shown that many herbs and spices have beneficial health properties. Turmeric has been around over 4,000 years and has been shown to fight infects, some cancers, reduce inflammation, and calm digestive problems.

Typically used in Indian cooking, this bright yellow spice contains the antioxidant curcumin. Preliminary research suggests turmeric could help lower cholesterol, reduce osteoarthritis pain, help with Crohn’s disease, diabetes and more.

While the health benefits are preliminary, the taste benefits abound as turmeric will wake up bland dishes with a spicy mustard flavor and a bright yellow color.

Source: http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/turmeric