Checking Your Herbs for Freshness

Even though we love our homegrown herbs, we all probably have supplemental spices in our cupboard. If you've wondered about the freshness of your dried ginger or nutmeg, you're not alone. Don't pitch those herbs before you check them for freshness.

Most herbs Will retain their potency for a couple of years. When in doubt, use the smell test. Rub a bit of the spice between your fingers to test it's aroma. If you feel it's lost it's intensity, considering using more than the recipe requires, or buying new.