Among the countless foods that expire, you probably don’t think of herbs and spices as being one of them. Spices don’t necessarily go bad, but they can definitely lose their flavor over time. However, there are certain spices in your pantry that you should be throwing out immediately — and that’s any McCormick spice that was made in Baltimore, Maryland.
In a message posted to Facebook, McCormick Spice explained that if a spice jar made by them in your pantry shows that it was made in Baltimore, Maryland on the label, that spice is at least 25 years old. McCormick was founded in 1889 in Baltimore, and remained there for about 100 years until they decided to move their manufacturing center to Hunt Valley, Maryland.
Another way to determine whether or not your spices are old is to note that McCormick hasn’t packaged spices (with the exception of black pepper) in rectangular tins for over 25 years. Although ground spices are good for a few years, anything older than that should be tossed. Now that you know this information, check your spice labels!
If you come across any spices in your pantry that were made in Baltimore, Maryland, it’s time to toss them out. These spices could be as old as 25 years, which means they have likely lost their flavor and potency. McCormick, a well-known spice brand, was founded in Baltimore but has since moved its manufacturing center to Hunt Valley, Maryland.
Spices may not necessarily go bad like other foods, but they can definitely lose their taste and aroma over time. If you have spices that are over a few years old, it’s probably best to replace them with fresh ones to ensure that your dishes are flavorful and delicious.
One easy way to identify old spices is to check the packaging. McCormick hasn’t used rectangular tins (excluding black pepper) for over 25 years, so if you have any spices in those containers, it’s time to say goodbye. Ground spices are generally good for a few years, but anything older than that should be discarded.
It’s important to pay attention to the quality of your spices, as they can make a huge difference in the taste of your dishes. Using old, flavorless spices can ruin a meal and leave you disappointed. By keeping your spice collection up to date and fresh, you can ensure that your recipes turn out as delicious as possible.
So, take a few minutes to go through your spice cabinet and check the labels. If you find any spices made in Baltimore, Maryland, or if you have any old spices that have been sitting around for years, it’s time to toss them out and make room for fresh replacements. Your taste buds will thank you!
