What is the Shelf Life of Dried Herbs and Spices?

[@joycewedel9084]

Old dark socks are great to slide on jars

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yep, I mention this and other ideas in other videos

[@Esther-1914]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing that tip.

[@rough-hewnhomestead5737]

I'm an herbalist and I agree with you (and am glad to hear you mention it...) about herbs staying good longer than a year or two. If herbs are processed well and stored correctly (cool, dry, dark), I absolutely believe that they retain their medicinal power longer than the usually-recommended one year. They may begin to lose a bit of their strength, but for most common ailments, I believe they will still work. I believe this because I have used 'older' home-grown or foraged herbs and they worked. Great video!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I have used older herbs as well for various things and they still worked well

[@sharoncrow5529]

Will resealing mylar bags be sufficient?

[@nosaltiesandrooshere7488]

👍 Danke fürs Hochladen! 👍 Thanks for uploading! 👍 Very good and beautiful, thank you! 👍 Sehr gut und schön, danke!

[@sparrowgarden1401]

I look for ceramic ware with gaskets to store my herbs. I also leave the leaves whole and crush them just before use. I do grind some right away so I have maybe 6 month's worth ground up for easy use. But basil I always leave whole. I have 4 year old basil leaves that look, smell and tastes as good as my freshly dried leaves.

[@ceciliafuentes3299]

You are a mind reader. I was just asking that question about how long can you store herbs. Well, I am buying them in bulk, as you suggested, the price is better. I am storing them in jars, I am making sure I vacuum seal them, and keeping them in a cool dark place. I will work on making it darker for them, I may even paint them, they will look pretty or prettier that way. Thanks for the information.

[@lindakean7392]

New to dehydrating this year and absolutely love to look at my herbs in glass jars. Hiding them makes me sad.....:)

[@ediemurray1692]

Ty

[@WendyK656]

Thank you Heidi, for more good information! many people need to hear this; as I can pass this along so they can learn too. Heidi, when your herbs are old they loose some of good properties in the herb. I keep mine cool and very dark. Heidi, I have had herbs for 10 years and still good. Thank you again for all the good information you give us.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you Wendy. Cody says "Hi" :D

[@WendyK656]

@@RainCountryHomestead Oh give him a hug back for me! and even kiss him!! hehehe

[@marygallagher3428]

Mine last at least 3 years. I vacuum-seal them in canning jars and also put a 100cc Oxygen absorber in each jar :-)

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Some people do prefer to add those to my jars, I have yet to see the need but whatever works best for each person

[@marygallagher3428]

@@RainCountryHomestead I've found it extends the shelf-life a little bit longer but just vacuum-sealing alone does a great job too :-)

[@susanolson4486]

Thanks, Heidi! Great information for us newbies. 😁

[@abmrose]

Wow, I just found your channel and am LOVING it. My family and I are working toward a more capable way of living, and the way you talk about things makes it so easy to soak up new information. I love how I come away from your videos ready to learn or try something new. Thank you and may God bless you!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you for this!

[@diannamc367]

Me too!

[@amberdlaney9347]

They all look so beautiful ❤

[@Minnesota_Mama_Bear]

Wonderful information! Have to share that a local gal had 6 boxes of purple quart jars which she sold me dirt cheap. Is it strange that I like to stand in front of them and just smile? LOL 💚🌞

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Nice! Not strange at all, those colored jars are not cheap!

[@trishthehomesteader9873]

Good morning Heidi! 🌄

[@nancywager4956]

What about covering jars with a thin sock or a paper lunch bag that you could label with a marker?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, of course, I was only throwing out a few suggestions but any way that will work for the individual to limit light exposure is great

[@amyw4216]

Another wonderfully helpful video! Thank you so very much.

[@cherylknight6080]

Hello, Heidi Good to see you! Yes, that's how I check mine. I had a jar of store-bought something and I knew it was old just looking at it. When I opened it there was no savory smell. I looked at the date and no wonder no nice aromatic had expired 3 yrs ago! 😜😅 God bless you Heidi, and your family, and thank you for all of your awesome packed filled full of information videos!ⁿ

[@richardschmidt2430]

You know, Heidi, I always put my dried herbs in just glass jars with a lid...I make sure they're really dry.....yes, light exposure...I think I'm going to start vac-sealing my herbs...this year...(oh, yeah, I BOUGHT A BRAKE BLEEDER!)--LOVE IT! :) thanks to you, my dear! :) Dawn @ Rich & Dawn in MN :)..the curtains...another great idea...I'll be really busy this year...:)

[@loboalamo]

My older picks are good for teas and vinegars. Even after about 4 years. Fresh dried is good for culinary and medicinals. I like the idea about cover for shelves too!☺️

[@leesmith5419]

Thank you for answering that question because I was wondering about that myself great video

[@tennesseegirl1215]

I’m about to do inventory on my herbs, check dates and make sure they are all still sealed. I know I’m short on cilantro because my plant last year didn’t produce well. I planted a lot more of it this year to make up for the shortage. Thanks for sharing all the excellent tips, blessings

[@MichaelR58]

Good video, thanks for sharing , God bless !

[@debbiefockler9890]

Last year, I was so excited with what I had learned from you that I purchased herbs and spices in Mylar bags. I then transferred them to glass jars and vacuum sealed them even though I didn’t need any at the time. I will now leave them in the Mylar bags until I need to open the bags. They take up less space and save up my jars for the important stuff like water bath or pressure canned goods. I learn so much from you. Thanks again. God bless.

[@oldsouthhomestead7118]

We have sun blockers curtains double-hung with moving blankets behind them for added thermal protection. Many don't think about the jars needing to be cool when they fire up the woodstove and enjoy a warm house. Although not as big of an issue for dehydrated goods as with regular canned goods, it's an economical way to protect all of your jars from light and temperature swings. Individual wrapping is not an option when you have large numbers of jars so we basically wrap the shelves.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Right, I do not have time to individually wrap my jars, I only tossed that out as an idea and only wrap jars I freeze

[@Robert-xp4ii]

GREAT information! Thank you! Now I wish I could grow and prepare my own spices.

[@victoriahill7857]

Thank you for sharing this information with me. I really appreciate it. This will help me in giving it a go.

[@TheStormisComing24]

As always, another great info video

[@lynettetucker5236]

Thanks Rain Country for the update on the dried herbs ❤️

[@louiseeyahpaise795]

Yes, I believe herbs and spices can last longer when stored properly. Thanks for sharing, I keep my jarred dried herbs in wicker bins. 👩🏽‍🌾😊🙏🏽💖

[@quantumquattro]

Hi from France Heidi..I keep my home dried foraged herbs in jars that I cover with the wide brown parcel packaging tape, it's brilliant! The only downside is that I don't get to see the colours of what's inside each jar unless Iopen them! I agree aswell about the longer shelf life of most herbs being longer than most people believe, as long as they're stored correctly and checked from time to time 2 - 3 years + is no problem, or so I've found. Love your chanel, thanks for all the hard work you put into it.

[@marthaadams8326]

Heidi, Another great beautiful and useful video. I was a late in life herb grower and user - only salt and pepper and maybe onion or garlic when I grew up - just think things were not available back then. I think one of the things you can save the most money on growing yourself is herbs. I put up tons of parsley every year and put it into everything and you can make tea with it too. I love to play with my Rosemary when I am out in the garden (I know, very strange - but the smell is mesmerizing) My dog loves the smell too. I have a good selection growing now and bring them in in the winter and have some for a long time - did lose my Royal basil this year and will start anew with that - think the oregano choked it to death - so it will get its own pot this year. :-) Once it is up this year, the calendular flowers are beautiful and healthy and my dog gets a flower every day when blooming. We have such a beautiful world given to us. I know that herbs and spices alone will not keep you living - but put on the high calorie food you might need, it will them more palatable. How old are the very pricey herbs and spices at the store? I read once that they can be years old by the time they go through the whole process and get shipped to the store. And, ours are much cleaner - so think we are ahead by growing our own. If there is something that I had to purchase, I usually go to an herbalist that grows his own and they are keeping for quite a while - even in the light - next time, they will be put in the dark - not as pretty, but much better for keeping.

[@sharrilswindle752]

I went to Walmart, an got a whole bunch of lids, Thank God, but after that I went back last week ,none ..someone on line said they were told at their Walmart, that what they had was it for the rest of year ..seriously.. this is so crazy

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Wow. Now more people will start getting scammed again on the cheap Chinese made lids that are worthless

[@elizabethcope1502]

If you open mylar bags & put herb or spice in vacuum sealed jars, if mylar bag is big enough, pull over the jar.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Great idea Elizabeth!

[@lindachandler2293]

The only thing I've had bugs get in was rose petals.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Were they sealed?

[@lindachandler2293]

@@RainCountryHomestead No. Just a lid. I seal most of mine now.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

@@lindachandler2293 Ok, that was why I had asked, I was just wondering if you got bugs with it sealed. I have always been pretty sure that vacuum sealing would kill any bugs that could be present but I know some people will freeze their grains before vacuum sealing and that just never made sense to me

[@joycewedel9084]

Maybe after 2 years one could add vodka or vinegar to extend the life

[@kleineroteHex]

May be do that from the start to keep the most in the herb😁

[@kleineroteHex]

Talk about smell, I just turned my camembert cheese, while you talked about herbs and spices. It's ripening in an airtight container. It will have to go in the sun after I'm done for sure😂

[@RainCountryHomestead]

The idea of waiting two years to tincture makes more sense for my situation because I use my herbs in many different ways and only have a few tinctures I like to make. I even used dried herbs for making pain remedies for the dog, in which case it is not a tincture. Now with the grandbaby, I would likely do something similar for him as I do for the dog but change the recipe up a bit

[@kleineroteHex]

@@RainCountryHomestead I know, I know, it was more on the funny try - there a lot more uses for dry vs tincture.

[@JeanHudson2022]

As I am new to drying and storing I am so glad you put this out there. I do have a ? for a beginner like me who has nobody around to teach me hands on, are there books that you recommend, not just herbs and such, any books that will help me reach of the goal of being less dependent on store processed foods and such. I am all about the books for learning as well as places like this channel. Thanks. All help is welcome if some of the people who watch has suggestions as well. Thank you so much

[@RainCountryHomestead]

As far as dehydrating, I do not know of any specific books, I have always just learned by doing. As far as a one stop homesteading related book that covers all kinds of topics, I recommend this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGrbYaSbo66Hm6M

[@sharrilswindle752]

I jarred up all the herbs and spices, boy I will say ,if ya have to use the brake bleeder, try not to have to seal a whole lot..cause I thought my arm was going to fall off..lol won't do that again

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Haha! Yep, it is easiest when you you tackle a few jars at a time. Which, when growing and drying your own, is the way one normally would but when buying in bulk it is much more to deal with at once. Which is also why I prefer buying in already sealed mylar bags, I just put them away in storage and no need to repackage and use more of my jars

[@lornabartlett2744]

Good day Heidi, QQQ QUESTION, Would you show us the difference between the two different types of cinnamons sticks Ceylon and the other type, not sure. Is there a way to identify them for clarification? 🤔 because our bulk barn store only has the one type , not Ceylon.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

If it is not labeled as ceylon, it is cassia. Cassia also has a redder color to it. Since I do not buy cassia, I really have nothing to show but I can link you to my cinnamon video if you have not seen it yet: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5rLioCLbMySZ8k

[@lornabartlett2744]

@@RainCountryHomestead got it, thanks for sharing hopeful, 👍

[@cindyp.9030]

Great information as usual. I have one quick question. I am starting to grow herbs myself for different uses but was wondering when the best time is for harvesting them to dry and store. Before they begin to get flowers, after, or a certain time of the year? I currently have several mints, parsley and rosemary growing, plus my first nasturtium plants and want to know the best time for harvesting. Thank you again for all of the great information that you share with us.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Most leaves are best to harvest before flowering and for flowers, as soon as they bloom

[@DeannaSpencer-le8rw]

All Stores Please Lower the Price of all Military & Local for all Brands of Dried Seasoning Products & Accessories & Production Cost Now That's too much $$ The Whole Now Pray

[@lindachandler2293]

Chicken!

[@MelisaCanolli]

Can someone tell me what shelf life do hair oils have that are mixed with dried herbs? please and thank you

[@RainCountryHomestead]

As long as one is only infusing their oils with dried herbs and using proper storage, they can last many months to years

[@MelisaCanolli]

@@RainCountryHomestead thank you very much! do you by chance know any link where i can find precise shelf life infos for dried herbs oils, ive been looking everywhere but no use

[@RainCountryHomestead]

@@MelisaCanolli I am not sure what you mean by "dried herb oils". Are you referring to oils in the dried herbs or oils pressed from herbs?

[@MelisaCanolli]

@@RainCountryHomestead i want to make hair oils, and put dried herps on them because of the benefits of the herbs.

[@kaylabug0719]

Dumb question here but can I buy my herbs somewhere and vacuum seal them in bags like mylar bags and if so, can the mylar bags be resealed to keep fresh for those of us who can't use jars for on the go

[@RainCountryHomestead]

When I purchase herbs I do not already grow, my two favorite brands already come in ziplock mylar bags so I do not repackaged those: Frontier Co-Op: amzn.to/3qMU7YS and StarWest Botanicals: amzn.to/3yo8tl5

[@miksauceda1147]

Do dulce flakes have an aroma? How long will it last being stored as you suggest?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I know what dulce means in Spanish but I do not know what dulce flakes are

[@miksauceda1147]

@@RainCountryHomestead Sorry, I meant dulse flakes (seaweed).

[@roccocolangelo7195]

Hi Heidi, i just subscribed to your channel, that was a good information, anyway i want to ask you which here's are good for the prostate, please reply

[@RainCountryHomestead]

That is something I have not needed to look into for myself but I did shoot a video last summer explaining how you can research it for yourself since I do not always have the answer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHakqnavaNR7fJI

[@DeannaSpencerSpencer-ej2xw]

All Stores Please lower the price of all Military and Local for all brands of Dried Seasoning Products and Production Cost Now That's too much $$ The Whole World Now pray

[@RainCountryHomestead]

While it would be nice for stores to all lower their costs you have to remember that costs for them are all going up too so if they do not raise their prices to match, they lose money

[@DeannaSpencer-le8rw]

All Stores Please Lower the Price of all Military & Local for all Brands of Dried Seasoning Products & Accessories & Production Cost Now That's too much $$ The Whole Now Pray

[@DeannaSpencerSpencer-ej2xw]

All Stores Please lower the price of all Military and Local for all brands of Dried Seasoning Products and Production Cost Now That's too much $$ The Whole World Now Pray

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I am sure I have told you before that the blame is not always with the stores. With fuel prices going up and the devaluing of the dollar by simply printing more money, costs have to go up. When the stores have to pay more to buy the products the stock, they have to increase their prices to make up the difference or they suffer a loss