How long do spices stay good for?

I have a spice rack that DH bought me when we were still dating (probably 3-4 yrs ago). I needed to use some of the thyme tonight. It smelled good and look the right color so I figured it was good to use. How long do spices usually stay good for?

Re: How long do spices stay good for?

Dried spices that are in closed containers can stay good for a very very long time. I'd say 5 years at the least.

Re: How long do spices stay good for?

it depends highly upon the spice, and the packaging. a never opened spice container MAY last a while.... but the general rule of thumb is something like 1 year.

the worst life span is a ground spice in a container that was opened. (when spices are shipped, they're usually packed in an inert gas to extend their life. once you open it, you introduce oxygen and the spices begin to oxidize).

then there are the rare spices with almost indefinite lifespans... ex. whole nutmeg (That you grind with a microplane) that lasts FOREVER! Ground nutmeg tastes like dust in no time.

so 3-4 years, you likely don't have much life in them... if they were never opened before and still smell like what they are, then you can still use them. if the containers have been opened and their scent is very mild, pitch it... they're just oxidized dust by now