"Best by date" true for bay leaves?
Today I bought a 2 oz (56.7 grams) bottle of Bay Leaves. The "best use by" date is 01/2015. I've read that spices and herbs go "off" after a year or so, depending. Can I believe the 2015 date on these bay leaves?
Best Answer
The use-by dates on all spices are mainly hokum. Most spices last for six months in whole form, herbs can be dried and last about three, after that time the taste is going to weaken and change as essential oils leave the spice. If you keep your spices in an airtight dark container you can eek out a little more time, but I would highly recommend that if you want fresh spices you grind yourself and keep fresh herbs on hand (it's very little work to grow your own).
That said, bay leaves last me quite a while, and even after I know they should be retired I tend to just throw more of them in the pot to achieve the same effect.
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Are bay leaves good after expiration date?
Do dried bay leaves ever spoil? No, commercially packaged dried bay leaves do not spoil, but they will start to lose potency over time and not flavor food as intended - the storage time shown is for best quality only.How long are dried bay leaves good for?
Dried bay leaves can be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry, and dark spot, such as the spice cabinet or pantry; they will last up to two years before losing their aroma. You can also store the sealed dried bay leaves in the freezer, which will help the bay leaf retain its flavor and floral potency.Does a bay leaf really make a difference?
Essentially, it adds another layer of flavor to a soup or stew, and the tea-like (oh-so-slightly menthol) aromas help lighten up a hearty dish, so it's less likely to bog you down after a big meal. If you're making homemade broth or stock, the bay leaf shines more.What can I replace bay leaves with?
Best bay leaf substitute- Dried oregano or thyme. The best bay leaf substitute? Dried oregano or thyme. These herbs add a hint of complexity to round out the flavor of whatever you're cooking. ...
- Leave it out! Bay leaf adds flavor after simmering, but it's very subtle. So if you don't have one\u2026you can leave it out!
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Answer 2
Bay leaves lose potency if stored at room temperature. They will last much longer if stored in the freezer. This is based on a Cook's Illustrated magazine article. They did a taste test a few years ago, and were amazed at the flavor difference after 6 months (between frozen and non-frozen bay leaves).
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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