Tell me what dried herbs are essential to have. And how old the oldest jar you've found in your cupboards is!

[BellaBearisWideAwake]

Just found a rather dated jar of five spice, think I must have used it last about eight years ago .

What should I have for everyday use? Or should I eschew dried herbs firmly and buy fresh each time?

Anyone?

I generally have a pot of 'Italian Herbs' handy and a big pot of Chilli Powder. I think they get used the most. Peppercorns and big salt crystals for the grinders. Then, in order of usage, I have dried parsley, cumin seeds, fenugreek, bayleaves, mustard seeds, chilli flakes, madras curry powder, cinammon (ground and sticks), star anise, mixed spice, garam masala, West Indian Season-all, coriander seeds, cardamom pods, cloves. Probably others.

I usually have fresh basil and parsley growing on the windowledge in the summer. I've got thyme, marjoram and rosemary in the garden. But, for winter, I think dried herbs are fine. Just buy them in smaller quantities and refresh frequently.

I am not worthy! That sound super organised. Are they all in matching jars as well?

There are probably not many herbs/spices that I do not have!

I prefer fresh herbs but do have dried just in case. I freeze Rosemary, Oregano, Coriander and Sage and have a pot with Thyme and Basil on the windowsill.

Some of my spices will be a few years old but I still use them.

Oh god no! I have a range of little plain glass jars with stoppers, some Schwartzkopf bits and pieces, a few branded pots, some little cardboard packets... total mish-mash! My oldest spice, I should have said, is a tiny little pot of saffron. It's lovely but I only use a few threads at a time and I think it's well over 5 years old and counting. Still in very good nick, though!

Reason for all the spices is that I cook a lot of vegetarian food. Without flavouring a lentil is pretty dreary :)

bayleaves (if you don't have a bay tree) oregano and thyme are the only herbs which are ok dried IMO

spices a different matter

dried parsley is FOUL

Don't think I have any dried parsley. Have basil, oregano, bay leaves and something green which I put into pasta sauces. Think it's a mixture. Trying to use it up.