Buy spices in small quantities you’ll use within a few months
Spices lose aroma and flavor over time, so purchase amounts you can finish within a few months for better results.
Spices fade as they sit, and this is especially noticeable with pre-ground spices. Keeping your inventory smaller and fresher improves the flavor you get in cooking.
The short version
- Freshness matters—older spices taste dull.
- Pre-ground spices tend to fade faster.
What goes wrong
Buying large containers that sit for a long time
Buy smaller amounts more often.
Why it works
Aromatic compounds volatilize and degrade over time, reducing perceived flavor.
Learn next
How to store homemade extracts for best infusion and shelf life
Store extracts in a dry cupboard out of direct sunlight for at least five weeks; they can then be kept indefinitely.
How to choose vodka for homemade extracts
Use a mid-range vodka—avoid the cheapest and the most expensive—when making extracts.
How to make homemade extracts using alcohol (basic method)
Put the flavoring ingredient in a sealable jar, cover completely with pure vodka (alcohol), seal, shake, and let it infuse in a cupboard for several weeks.
Make homemade vanilla extract with vodka and vanilla beans (jar method)
Cut vanilla beans into pieces, cover with 80-proof (or higher) vodka in a jar, then steep in a cool dark place while shaking periodically until richly colored.