how vital are best before dates?

[redpyjamas]

I hardly ever use pine nuts, so consequently the bag in my kitchen cupboard has a bbd of July 2004. They look alright. Should I use them in a recipe?

THIS is the official interpretation of different dates.

When did you last empty your cupboards??

well im not bothered about best before dates.

(am not overly bothered about use by dates either so long as things look and smell ok)...

but not sure id use something 5 years out of ddate!... although if they look ok.....

pinenuts that old could have gone rancid, if they were in an open packet. If the packet was sealed and they were kept in the cool and dark they could be ok - you should taste one and see if tasts off.