What is the shelf life of herbs and spices?
While herbs and spices generally don’t spoil, they will lose their potency over time. How the herbs and spices are stored will play a large role in how long they retain their potency. If stored in airtight containers, such as glass jars, and kept in a cool, dark, dry place, whole herbs and spices can last up to 3-6 years and ground herbs and spices can last 1-4 years. While the FDA final GMP rule for dietary supplements does not require the establishment of product expiration dates, it does stipulate that a company that chooses to display an expiration or best before date, on any product, is required to have scientific, stability testing results that support the published shelf life of that product. Western bulk herbs are in polyfoil, barrier-sealed bags, which protect the contents from exposure to light and moisture, to preserve the freshness, aroma, and potency of our products.
1st Chinese Herbs
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References
- Vijayan Arun, V.B. Liju, John J.V. Reena, B. Parthipan, C. Renuka. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 2007, 6(4), 589-594.