Shelf Life of Spices

[the keepa]

I have a couple of 1 kilogram bags of premixed Wild Game sausage seasoners and binder(you mix with 25 pounds of ground venison and pork).
Any one know what the shelf life of these are?

 

[tiina]

Most chefs say after 3-6 months (if stored in a cool, dry, dark location) the flavour of spices fade. If it's older than that you may have to put more in to compensate for the loss of flavour.

 

[Grizzlypeg]

Give it a sniff or taste test. I could see the spices losing potency slowly over time, but as long as the package was sealed, it shouldn't go bad. It would be unusual if it went rancid from exposure to air or moisture, but your test buds and sense of smell should be able to confirm that.

 

[heavyBullet]

Spices do not usually spoil, they just loose their strength. Whole spice obviously last longer then ground spice. If you notice a color change, thats a big sign the flavour has also weakened. When you have the quantities you are talking about, maybe you should vacuum seal them.

 

[Big Guy]

As stated they don't go bad, just loose their potency. use up quick. You can't add more mix than they say as that would give you a very salty sausage. you could add the spice mix and throw in some more pepper, oregano etc.

 

[poptart]

they will last longer if put in mason jars.

 

[Glyn]

Vaguely along the same lines, as its about chillies. I dried a bunch of jalapenos, cayenne's and habaneros in a dehydrator after a grew too many about three years ago. They are all still fine and have a whole load of taste. Just rehydrate them first before using them, unless you are throwing them in the blender to make a dry spice rub...and don't rub your eyes or scratch anywhere important.

EDIT: After drying them I just threw them all in a Zip Lock bag and hung them up in the kitchen.