Advice from McCormick:

 

McCormick has created a Web site, www.spicecheckchallenge.com, that lets you check the freshness (or lack thereof) of their products. Users just type in the code on a container to determine how old it is. And sometimes it's even easier than that: For instance, if the McCormick jar is from Baltimore, it's at least 15 years old.

The site also includes storage suggestions, a handy chart, that sort of thing. But you may have containers from other companies, or loose spices and herbs in plastic bags. Here are a few tips:

-- Color and aroma are good indicators of freshness, notes the McCormick Web site. "If the color has faded, chances are, the flavor has faded as well." Ditto for aroma.

-- Many containers now have "use by" dates, but when you open a jar and expose it to air, it doesn't hurt to write that date somewhere on the label too.

-- Store containers in a cool, dark, moisture-free place (in other words, away from ovens or dishwashers).