can I freeze bags of spices?

15 years ago

I'm cleaning out the pantry due to wicked case of bugs. Can I freeze spices? Will they still taste good? Its Lysanders spices in brown paper bags. I think there is foil on the inside. I don't think the bugs got in but want to make sure.

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Comments (6)

teresa_nc7
15 years ago
As I am not familiar with this brand of spices, I would recommend that you put the spice bags in a freezer ziploc bag to provided double packaging protection. I freeze extra spices all the time. Just don't forget to use them! They do not last forever.
compumom
15 years ago
Are you talking about spices that you have now or ones that you'll buy to replace the old ones? I found that those nasty little bugs love to live in paprika, so I'd suggest tossing the old bags and buying new, smaller containers and replacing them more frequently.
As a precaution, you might want to stick all new grains, spices and cereals in a sealed freezer bag for 1-2 days and toss 'em in to the freezer, just to make sure that if there were any eggs (ick) coming in, that they've been killed off by the cold.
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chinchette
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks. Its 6 bags of spices that I already have.
gbsim1
15 years ago
I vacuum seal bags of spices often... do it inside of another bag so it doesn't suck the spices into the motor! They last great.

But all the same, I think I'd be tempted to put the questionable bags inside of a regular ziplock and then monitor them and see if you get any new hatches. Just me, but I'd rather pitch the spices than eat the bugs.... even if they are dead from the cold.

I've dealt with some nasty infestations of weevils myself and know how frustrating it is!!! I had good luck with the traps that I think are called Pantry Pest traps.

Grace

Grace
chaplainkent
15 years ago
I'm not certain that freezing will kill the bugs, may just put them into a state of hibernation until you thaw them out. Best to throw away any contaminated food and start over. Second, how did the bugs get in? Was it from the spices? I have had that happen and will stir clear of that brand for obvious reasons.

Here is a link that might be useful: Travelling and cooking with grandpa
chinchette
Original Author
15 years ago
The bugs didn't come in with the spices, and I don't think that the bags were penetrated by the bugs. However, I saw one crawling on the bags. I think that the bugs might have come in on some chinese medicinal tea from the Chinese doc. I did put them in the freezer for now.

Basically, I've removed all foods besides bottled or canned goods in there now. I'll leave it that way for several weeks. We hardly have any grains anyway.

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can I freeze bags of spices?

Comments (6)

teresa_nc7

compumom

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can I freeze bags of spices?

Comments (6)

teresa_nc7

compumom

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chinchetteOriginal Author

gbsim1

chaplainkent

chinchetteOriginal Author

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chinchette
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