How to Pick the Best Quality Seasonings
There are lots of different spices and seasonings on the market.
Some cost a fortune at fancy gourmet food stores, and some you can buy for a dollar or less in the local discount store.
How can you choose high quality spices, herbs and seasonings? How can you spot the difference between fresh spices and herbs and old ones that might have lost their flavor? Here are 7 tips on what to watch out for when shopping for seasonings and herbs.
1.
Fresh herbs should smell fresh - When herb and spices are being sold unpackaged and you can actually see and smell them out of the container the aroma should be strong and it should smell good.
If the herbs and spices smell dusty, or if the aroma is faint, then they probably aren't as fresh as they should be.
2.
Color matters - Fresh herbs and spices should have colors that really pop.
If the herbs and spices look dried out, or if the colors seem faded or dull then they aren't fresh.
If you want really fresh herbs it's best to buy whole herbs and spices and grind them yourself just before you add them to a dish.
3.
Look at the containers - If you're buying herbs and seasonings that are already packaged look at the labels on the containers.
Check the expiration dates and also look to see if the labels on the containers are faded or worn.
If they are, those herbs and spices have been sitting there awhile.
If the herbs and spices are packaged in amber glass bottles instead of clear plastic bottles then they are probably still good even if they are a bit older than you'd like them to be.
4.
Look for ripeness in whole herbs and spices - When you're shopping for herbs like ginger or garlic, or any other whole spice the spice itself should be plump and firm like a ripe fruit.
If it's soft or has brown spots it might be starting to rot.
5.
Whenever possible package the herbs yourself - Most natural food stores have bulk herbs and spices that you can purchase.
Buying bulk spices and herbs is good because you can check to see if they are fresh before you buy them and you can buy just the amount that you need.
6.
Look for clumps - If the herbs or spices in a container are clumped together don't buy that container.
Clumping means that moisture got into the container somehow and moisture in the container could lead to mold.
Check your own herbs and spices at home periodically to see if they are clumped and if they are, throw them out and buy new ones.
7.
Use common sense when you're buying herbs and spices.
Once you have purchase herbs and spices that are high quality and as fresh as possible store them properly and they will stay fresh and colorful for a long time.
Some cost a fortune at fancy gourmet food stores, and some you can buy for a dollar or less in the local discount store.
How can you choose high quality spices, herbs and seasonings? How can you spot the difference between fresh spices and herbs and old ones that might have lost their flavor? Here are 7 tips on what to watch out for when shopping for seasonings and herbs.
1.
Fresh herbs should smell fresh - When herb and spices are being sold unpackaged and you can actually see and smell them out of the container the aroma should be strong and it should smell good.
If the herbs and spices smell dusty, or if the aroma is faint, then they probably aren't as fresh as they should be.
2.
Color matters - Fresh herbs and spices should have colors that really pop.
If the herbs and spices look dried out, or if the colors seem faded or dull then they aren't fresh.
If you want really fresh herbs it's best to buy whole herbs and spices and grind them yourself just before you add them to a dish.
3.
Look at the containers - If you're buying herbs and seasonings that are already packaged look at the labels on the containers.
Check the expiration dates and also look to see if the labels on the containers are faded or worn.
If they are, those herbs and spices have been sitting there awhile.
If the herbs and spices are packaged in amber glass bottles instead of clear plastic bottles then they are probably still good even if they are a bit older than you'd like them to be.
4.
Look for ripeness in whole herbs and spices - When you're shopping for herbs like ginger or garlic, or any other whole spice the spice itself should be plump and firm like a ripe fruit.
If it's soft or has brown spots it might be starting to rot.
5.
Whenever possible package the herbs yourself - Most natural food stores have bulk herbs and spices that you can purchase.
Buying bulk spices and herbs is good because you can check to see if they are fresh before you buy them and you can buy just the amount that you need.
6.
Look for clumps - If the herbs or spices in a container are clumped together don't buy that container.
Clumping means that moisture got into the container somehow and moisture in the container could lead to mold.
Check your own herbs and spices at home periodically to see if they are clumped and if they are, throw them out and buy new ones.
7.
Use common sense when you're buying herbs and spices.
Once you have purchase herbs and spices that are high quality and as fresh as possible store them properly and they will stay fresh and colorful for a long time.