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4 Steps to Get the Best from Your Herbs and Spices [+ a Bonus Pro-Chef Tip]

Looking for a few quick ways to get more from the dried herbs and spices you add to your meal? It’s surprisingly easy to do if you follow these 4 steps (and we’ve even thrown in a bonus one to take your meals to the next level.)

 

1. Always Use a Trusted Brand

The better the quality of the dried herb, the better the flavors and nutritional value. Some studies show that knowing the source of your herbs and spices is essential as they may contain unwanted heavy metals and more.

At Belle Donne Spices, we pride ourselves on high-quality products sourced from around the world, with most of our blends manufactured in Canada.

 

2. Freshness Matters

When you use high-quality herbs and spices, they should last a long time when stored correctly. Whole spices will stay fresh for over four years, ground spices for two to three years, and dried herbs for anywhere between one and three years, depending on the herb.

For dried leafy herbs, in particular, freshness is important as they may lose potency and flavor over time.

 

3. Store Them Correctly

To extend the lifespan of your herbs and spices, they should be stored in sealed glass jars at a constant temperature, away from sunlight and heat. So, while you want to have them close at hand when cooking, they can’t be stored too close to the stove.

If you want them to last longer, place them in a cool, dark space. They can even be stored in the freezer.

 

4. Add Them at the Right Time

When cooking with dried herbs and spices, you don’t want to wait until the end in most cases. To get the most flavor, add them earlier, so they have time to infuse into the meal.

 

BONUS TIP

The way you add your dried herbs matters. Instead of sprinkling them directly from the jar into your pot, pour them into your hands and rub them between your fingers before adding them. By crushing the herbs, you can release any residual oil in the leaves, boosting the flavor.

Not all dried herbs and spices are made equal, so it’s essential to make sure that you do your homework and purchase yours from a trusted brand. Once you’ve got that important step right, you need to store them correctly and focus on adding them at the right time to your meal.

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