Bay leaves how long to keep

To test whether dried bay leaves are still potent enough to be effective: Rub or crush a small amount in your hand, then taste and smell them - if the aroma is weak and the flavor is not obvious, the dried bay leaves should be replaced. Today's Tips. Long-Lasting Produce 7 popular choices. Your Questions Answered Keeping thawed ground beef.

One interesting fact about bay leaves storage is that- the spice shelf is not where the bay leaves belong but rather in the freezer, as stated in Thekitchn. Storing them in a freezer helps the leaves retain most of its aroma and flavor for a more extended period. However, for more physical evidence, if your bay leaf container or bag has moisture in it, then you should look for any sign of mold in your leaves.

Also, another way to know if a bay leaf has gone bad is by checking if the leaf upon touching and light pressing fall into pieces, then it is a sign that it has been stored for way too long and is time to replace with a fresh one. You can also try rubbing a leaf with your fingers and smell it; if the aroma is weak, then they have gone bad. As bay leaves are a herb, they have a slightly shorter shelf life than dried spices, such as black pepper.

Surprisingly, the best place to store dried bay leaves is in the freezer. Keeping bay leaves cool helps preserve their volatile oils, aroma, and flavor. Extend its shelf life by storing them in the freezer :. Some people prefer fresh bay leaves over dried leaves as they lend a milder flavor to dishes. Fresh bay leaves are not as easy to find.

When selecting fresh bay leaves , look for leaves with a slight sheen on top. The top part of the leaf should be dark green, while the underside is light green. The leaves should be pliable and not bend or break when twisted. To properly store fresh bay leaves, wrap them in a slightly damp paper towel and place inside a plastic bag on the top shelf of your refrigerator.

Why the top shelf? This is the warmest part of the fridge and fresh bay leaves are delicate. Both fresh and dried bay leaf can be used in dishes. Some people prefer to use fresh leaves because they have a more clove-like aroma. But fresh bay leaves have a short shelf life. A good option is to dry bay leaves yourself and store dried bay leaves for later use. Since dried bay leaves are categorized as an herb, it is only logical to store it in a cabinet together with other herbs.

But seasoned chefs and herb enthusiasts have different opinions when it comes to storing dried bay leaves. Here are some of the best suggestions to store dried bay leaves for later use.

Dried bay leaves can lose its aroma over time. It is important to keep it stored in an airtight container before putting in the spice cabinet. When not stored properly, it is noticeable that the aroma will be gone in just a matter of weeks. Airtight jars or Ziploc type of containers are recommended. If buying in bulk, it is not recommended to store it all in one big container.