Can herbs go off?

4 replies

spotofcheerfulness · 04/09/2011 14:01

In the middle of cooking at my mum's house and discovered all her herbs are BB 2003. I am not as she doesn't believe in the concept for non perishables, and there is still a whiff of something herby. But would I be poisoning us if I used them?

OP posts:

mousymouse · 04/09/2011 14:13

just sniff, if they smell like herbs they are ok, if they smell mouldy or musty drop them in the bin.
usually they just lose flavour but it can happen hat they go off if too much moisture gets in the tin.

CointreauVersial · 04/09/2011 14:16

They just lose flavour.

I probably have a few antiques in my herb and spice drawer too - usually the obscure ones bought for a specific recipe and never used again.

BUT I always buy cheaper refills and fill up the old jar, so the date on the side of the jar is irrelevant. Check your mum hasn't done that.

Original poster

spotofcheerfulness · 04/09/2011 15:04

Def not refilled. She is very frugal, used about 3 sprinkles of herbs a year. I think I'll err on the side of caution this time as there's a bit of mustiness I'm sure! Thanks

OP posts:

mousymouse · 04/09/2011 15:49

that's not frugal...that is tasteless.

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