Spice up dishes with dash of shelf care

A new McCormick advertisement had my mom digging through her spice cupboard recently.

What did she find? A dozen tins and bottles that are at least 15 years old, according to McCormick.

Except for black pepper, McCormick spices in rectangular tins had to have been purchased in 1991 or earlier, according to the spice maker. And spices in glass bottles with Baltimore, Md., on the label are also at least that old.

I’m willing to bet that she’s not the only one with a bunch of deteriorating spices in the cupboard. McCormick’s advice: T.O.S.S. them. That’s Toss Old Spices Seasonally.

Other spice experts agree. If the spices no longer smell or taste like anything, they aren’t doing much to enhance the flavor of your annual pumpkin pie. (Sorry, Mom.)

Here’s a guide to the shelf life of spices from McCormick, if they’re kept tightly sealed away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight.

Ground spices: 2-3 years

Whole spices: 3-4 years

Seasoning blends: 1-2 years

Herbs: 1-2 years

Extracts: 4 years, except pure vanilla which lasts indefinitely.

Newer spices have a “best by” date printed on them, but many older McCormick spices have a date code printed on the bottle. There’s a decoder at www.mccormick.com along with more tips for checking the age of old spices.

‘Broken Limbs’ screening

Friends of the Farmers’ Market will host a screening of the film “Broken Limbs: Apples, Agriculture and the New American Farmer” at the Met Theater at 7 p.m. on Sept. 30.

The documentary is described this way by filmmakers: “In Wenatchee, Wash., the ‘Apple Capital of the World,’ filmmaker Guy Evans learns that his father is on the verge of losing the family farm. Evans embarks on a journey to find out why and along the way discovers the gauntlet of local, national and global issues facing all of America’s small farmers. But he also uncovers something else, a new breed of farmer focused on creating a sustainable agriculture. But to survive, what these New American Farmers need is a New American Consumer.”

Watch the film, meet filmmakers Evans and Howell and taste some Wenatchee apples. The event is $3. For more information, call Eli Penberthy at (509) 951-4361.

Vintage Truffle tea and classes

Vintage Truffle owner Paula Richards is offering an afternoon tea and chocolate affair and two cooking classes this fall.

The Chocolate Afternoon Tea will be held Saturday at her shop, 101 E. Nora Ave. The cost is $19.99.

She’ll also host a class Oct. 7, where participants can learn how to make pumpkin cheesecake and chocolate European tarts. The cost is $15. Also, on Oct. 21, there will be a Halloween cupcake class for $15.

For more information, call the Vintage Truffle at (509) 466-7171.