Checking Your Herbs for Freshness

Even though we love our homegrown herbs, we all probably have supplemental spices in our cupboard. If you've wondered about the freshness of your dried ginger or nutmeg, you're not alone. Don't pitch those herbs before you check their freshness dates. McCormick, the spice giant, has a nifty site where you can check the freshness code on the bottom of your herb and spice bottles. Give it a try:

McCormick Fresh Tester

Now that you know how old your spices really are, make it a practice to keep all your herbs and spices in a cool, dry, dark place.Using tinted bottles with rubber gaskets is a good idea too.