How to Check Your Kitchen Herbs for Freshness
Inspect the bottle., Try to open the bottle., Open the lid and look at the herbs., Look at the herbs again., Smell the herbs., Shake the bottle gently., Pour some of the herb onto a clean napkin, paper towel, or white plate.
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Inspect the bottle.
Is it covered with lots of dust? That's a bad first sign. -
Step 2: Try to open the bottle.
Is the lid stuck? Throw it away now and don't even go on. , Do they appear dusty, pale instead of green, or clumped with some sticky stuff (spider webs)? If so, throw them out. , Do they move a bit? Are they infested with tiny insects? Definitely throw them out. , Do you smell simply old bottle or dust when you put your nose close to the opening? Throw them away! , Does dust seem to fly up at you? Do you see any funny looking foreign substance in them? Don't even look further.
Throw them away. , Take a pinch in your fingers and crush it.
Smell it.
Do you smell some definite herb? If you still don't see or smell anything that shouldn't be there, such as insects, and if the herb looks like bits of leaf (instead of dust), then it's probably all right .
Try it but then be sure to buy more the next time you're shopping if you still question its freshness. -
Step 3: Open the lid and look at the herbs.
-
Step 4: Look at the herbs again.
-
Step 5: Smell the herbs.
-
Step 6: Shake the bottle gently.
-
Step 7: Pour some of the herb onto a clean napkin
-
Step 8: paper towel
-
Step 9: or white plate.
Detailed Guide
Is it covered with lots of dust? That's a bad first sign.
Is the lid stuck? Throw it away now and don't even go on. , Do they appear dusty, pale instead of green, or clumped with some sticky stuff (spider webs)? If so, throw them out. , Do they move a bit? Are they infested with tiny insects? Definitely throw them out. , Do you smell simply old bottle or dust when you put your nose close to the opening? Throw them away! , Does dust seem to fly up at you? Do you see any funny looking foreign substance in them? Don't even look further.
Throw them away. , Take a pinch in your fingers and crush it.
Smell it.
Do you smell some definite herb? If you still don't see or smell anything that shouldn't be there, such as insects, and if the herb looks like bits of leaf (instead of dust), then it's probably all right .
Try it but then be sure to buy more the next time you're shopping if you still question its freshness.
About the Author
Henry Mitchell
Specializes in breaking down complex lifestyle topics into simple steps.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: