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Shelf Life of Sesame, Chickpeas and Spices

In my cupboard I found chickpeas, sesame seeds and spices that have expired since 2019. Do they have to be thrown away?

The fat in sesame seeds can go rancid. Try a small amount. Also check carefully whether the seeds are infested with pests. You can recognize this, for example, from webs.

Spices usually have a shelf life well past the sell-by date (MHD) – whole spices, such as cloves and nutmeg, longer than ground ones. However, powder loses its flavor over time. We recommend that you carry out a sensory check here as well:

  • See if the spice is infested with mold. This can happen with spices that have already been opened and stored away from the stove, i.e. away from moisture and heat. If you discover mold, the entire pack must be discarded.
  • Smell the spice and taste. If it smells musty or has lost much of its aroma, you should throw it away.

Are your chickpeas dried or canned? Dried chickpeas can be kept for up to two years if stored in a cool, dry place away from light. Canned goods have a shelf life of several years. If the can is undamaged and the contents look, smell and taste typical, you can still eat the chickpeas.

Use your senses! In most cases, you can judge whether a food is still edible by its appearance, smell and taste.

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Written by John Myers

Professional Chef with 25 years of industry experience at the highest levels. Restaurant owner. Beverage Director with experience creating world-class nationally recognized cocktail programs. Food writer with a distinctive Chef-driven voice and point of view.

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