Fresh & Frozen Vegetables The River Nile and its delta has been a fertile basis for vegetables since the Ancient Egyptian kingdoms. During these centuries, the Egyptian people have mastered the art of irrigation and how to read climates. Our Egyptian grown and processed fresh and frozen vegetables meet the quality and food safety demands of the European Union. These fresh and frozen vegetables are both pre-cooled and of the highest quality. Strawberry Whole Artichoke Bottoms Peas & Carrots Whole Broad Beans Pomegranates Okra Extra Fine Molokhia Minced Broccoli florets Green Peas Okra Fine Molokhia Leaves Mixed Vegetables Split Broad Beans Okra One Spinach Leaves Cauliflower florets Green Beans Okra Zero Colocasia Vegetables Soup
Overview Molokhia is a dark and leafy green plant. It is also known as the Jew's Mallow. It is a very acquired taste as it develops a viscosity like that of an okra when cooked. It is grown and processed all over the Middle East. Although it is mostly used fresh and in frozen form, the dried form is commonly used in countries where this plant doesn't grow. Common Uses The Lebanese version is served as a soup garnished with pita croutons, onion and red wine vinegar. In Egypt it is more toned down by serving as a green soup only â?? flavoured with a lot of garlic, coriander - scooped up with fresh, soft bread. It is also served on top of rice with roasted chicken or duck. The key in its flavour is the Taqliya which is made up of the chopped garlic fried in butter and seasoned with ground coriander. Recommended Storage The most important point is that dried herbs and spices can never go bad if they are kept dry. Yes, the potency is lost, but it will still influence the flavor of your cooking. Seeds, roots, leaves and flowers last longer than crushed or ground herbs and spices. When you are preparing to store your dry herbs and spices it is vital that they are completely dry. A good indication is to rub it with your finger to check if it crumbles. As oxygen degrades dried herbs and spices over time, you should store them in airtight containers. Glass jars with sealable lids are perfect, and so are metal tins. Plastic won't do for long terms storage. Sunlight also degrades dried herbs and spices; therefore, it should be stored in a dark cabinet that is both cool and dry. If your spice rack is near the stove or cooker, steam will degrade your herbs and spices each time you open the container while cooking. When buying in bulk, you should always store only some of the dried herbs and spices in a glass or metal container. Each time you open it, it is exposed to the elements. When buying in bulk it is useful to label your containers with the purchase date and discard date.
Overview Kibbled onions are produced when fresh onions are cored, peeled, washed, inspected and then sliced finely before it is dried. A refining process is also completed by sieving the dried elements. Onion powder is made from dehydrated, ground onions and is also commonly used in seasoning. It is a common element of spice mixes and meat rubs and marinades. Common Uses Kibbled onion is added to soups and stews, casseroles and curries, and any sauce-based cuisine that requires lengthy simmering. It can also be added to rice and potato dishes as kibbled onion tends to melt away yet leave behind its distinctive flavor. It leaves behind a sweeter taste that you don't often get when using fresh onions. Onion powder can be used in almost all savory dishes. It should be added at the beginning of the cooking process to absorb and blend in with the other flavors. It has a very strong smell, yet it works excellently as a dry rub for both meat and poultry. A dash of onion powder will give new meaning to humble mashed potatoes. Recommended Storage The most important point is that dried herbs and spices can never go bad if they are kept dry. Yes, the potency is lost, but it will still influence the flavor of your cooking. Seeds, roots, leaves and flowers last longer than crushed or ground herbs and spices. When you are preparing to store your dry herbs and spices it is vital that they are completely dry. A good indication is to rub it with your finger to check if it crumbles. As oxygen degrades dried herbs and spices over time, you should store them in airtight containers. Glass jars with sealable lids are perfect, and so are metal tins. Plastic won't do for long terms storage. Sunlight also degrades dried herbs and spices; therefore, it should be stored in a dark cabinet that is both cool and dry. If your spice rack is near the stove or cooker, steam will degrade your herbs and spices each time you open the container while cooking. When buying in bulk, you should always store only some of the dried herbs and spices in a glass or metal container. Each time you open it, it is exposed to the elements. When buying in bulk it is useful to label your containers with the purchase date and discard date.
Fruits and vegetables.
Overview The spiky leaves of Rosemary are perhaps as old as time. It has been used for flavouring of wines, waters and of course edible dishes too. Hotels often go the rustic route by placing a small bundle of rosemary and lavender on pillows, whereas rustic restaurants stick a handful of rosemary in a tiny pot as table decoration. This evergreen shrub is relatively easy to grow, and it is processed in the Middle East. Common Uses The perfect culinary marriage is lamb and rosemary. Every chef will confess to that. Rosemary is also used to add flavour to chicken dishes, especially stuffing, and its pine like taste is perfect in sausages too. It most definitely elevates vegetable stews, vegetable roasts and tomato dishes. Rosemary is often used in breads and even sweet baked goods. Recommended Storage The most important point is that dried herbs and spices can never go bad if they are kept dry. Yes, the potency is lost, but it will still influence the flavor of your cooking. Seeds, roots, leaves and flowers last longer than crushed or ground herbs and spices. When you are preparing to store your dry herbs and spices it is vital that they are completely dry. A good indication is to rub it with your finger to check if it crumbles. As oxygen degrades dried herbs and spices over time, you should store them in airtight containers. Glass jars with sealable lids are perfect, and so are metal tins. Plastic won't do for long terms storage. Sunlight also degrades dried herbs and spices; therefore, it should be stored in a dark cabinet that is both cool and dry. If your spice rack is near the stove or cooker, steam will degrade your herbs and spices each time you open the container while cooking. When buying in bulk, you should always store only some of the dried herbs and spices in a glass or metal container. Each time you open it, it is exposed to the elements. When buying in bulk it is useful to label your containers with the purchase date and discard date.
Overview The use of parsley has been recorded in history since the Roman times. Since then, until now, it serves as a garnish to almost every savoury dish. It is cultivated worldwide, and although the leaves variate from one region to the next, the taste remains very similar. North Africa and the Middle East are mass processors of parsley in its dry form. Common Uses Parsley in its dry form can be added to mixed herbs spices used in meat rubs, vinaigrettes, bean dishes and vegetable soups. It complements egg dishes, roasted vegetables and herb breads very well. Most Italian dishes are enhanced with parsley in the form of mixed herbs blends. Parsley is often described as the perfect experimental herb as it more commonly adds flavour than overpowers due to its subtle aroma and flavour and can handle long cooking times. Recommended Storage The most important point is that dried herbs and spices can never go bad if they are kept dry. Yes, the potency is lost, but it will still influence the flavor of your cooking. Seeds, roots, leaves and flowers last longer than crushed or ground herbs and spices. When you are preparing to store your dry herbs and spices it is vital that they are completely dry. A good indication is to rub it with your finger to check if it crumbles. As oxygen degrades dried herbs and spices over time, you should store them in airtight containers. Glass jars with sealable lids are perfect, and so are metal tins. Plastic won't do for long terms storage. Sunlight also degrades dried herbs and spices; therefore, it should be stored in a dark cabinet that is both cool and dry. If your spice rack is near the stove or cooker, steam will degrade your herbs and spices each time you open the container while cooking. When buying in bulk, you should always store only some of the dried herbs and spices in a glass or metal container. Each time you open it, it is exposed to the elements. When buying in bulk it is useful to label your containers with the purchase date and discard date.
Mushroom.
Overview Anise Seed is related to cumin and fennel. It is an annual plant that is indigenous to the Eastern Mediterranean region and cultivated in parts of the world. It is very often used in Middle Eastern cooking, particularly in dishes that contain vegetables as the basis of the flavours. Anise Seed is not related to star anise. Common Uses The licoricey taste of Anise Seed is most commonly used to make liqueurs such as Ouzo, Anisete and Pernod. It is widely used in cake baking and cookies, such as Italian biscotti. Citrus fruits in its fresh form are elevated with a sprinkle of Anise Seeds. It complements dark breads and is often used in chutneys. Recommended Storage The most important point is that dried herbs and spices can never go bad if they are kept dry. Yes, the potency is lost, but it will still influence the flavor of your cooking. Seeds, roots, leaves and flowers last longer than crushed or ground herbs and spices. When you are preparing to store your dry herbs and spices it is vital that they are completely dry. A good indication is to rub it with your finger to check if it crumbles. As oxygen degrades dried herbs and spices over time, you should store them in airtight containers. Glass jars with sealable lids are perfect, and so are metal tins. Plastic won't do for long terms storage. Sunlight also degrades dried herbs and spices; therefore, it should be stored in a dark cabinet that is both cool and dry. If your spice rack is near the stove or cooker, steam will degrade your herbs and spices each time you open the container while cooking. When buying in bulk, you should always store only some of the dried herbs and spices in a glass or metal container. Each time you open it, it is exposed to the elements. When buying in bulk it is useful to label your containers with the purchase date and discard date.
Overview It is said that Caraway seeds are the oldest and longest used spice in Europe, dating back to Egypt in 1552BC. Caraway seeds are cultivated from a slender biennial plant that is native to the Middle Eastern, Asian and Central European regions. It is thus also widely used in these regions cooking, whether whole or ground. This herb's use can be found in many historical writings. Common Uses Caraway seeds are most importantly used in flavouring rye breads, biscuits, bread sticks, cakes and cheeses. It is an essential ingredient of soda bread. It is used in pickling and during the fermenting process of dishes such as sauerkraut. In North India, a curry wouldn't be perfect without its addition, nor would harissa pastes in North Africa. Caraway seeds are furthermore the main ingredients in liqueurs such as schnapps and aquavit. It is also a flavour booster for root vegetables and potatoes. Recommended Storage The most important point is that dried herbs and spices can never go bad if they are kept dry. Yes, the potency is lost, but it will still influence the flavor of your cooking. Seeds, roots, leaves and flowers last longer than crushed or ground herbs and spices. When you are preparing to store your dry herbs and spices it is vital that they are completely dry. A good indication is to rub it with your finger to check if it crumbles. As oxygen degrades dried herbs and spices over time, you should store them in airtight containers. Glass jars with sealable lids are perfect, and so are metal tins. Plastic won't do for long terms storage. Sunlight also degrades dried herbs and spices; therefore, it should be stored in a dark cabinet that is both cool and dry. If your spice rack is near the stove or cooker, steam will degrade your herbs and spices each time you open the container while cooking. When buying in bulk, you should always store only some of the dried herbs and spices in a glass or metal container. Each time you open it, it is exposed to the elements. When buying in bulk it is useful to label your containers with the purchase date and discard date.
Overview The Cumin Seed plant is related to parsley and is indigenous to the Mediterranean region. These seeds have pungent lemon flavours to them and are most often used in ground form. It is a very fundamental ingredient in Middle Eastern and Indian cooking and makes it a favourite seasoning in several ethnic cuisines. Common Uses Ground cumin seeds are very often used in Spanish, Mexican, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cookpots. It is added in bean stews, vegetable stews, lentils, dahls and tomato-based sauces. In Europe cumin seeds are very regularly added to breads, such as breadsticks and cornbread. In India it is almost always a component of a good curry in fact it is part of garam masala. Cumin can also be used to flavour cheeses. Recommended Storage The most important point is that dried herbs and spices can never go bad if they are kept dry. Yes, the potency is lost, but it will still influence the flavor of your cooking. Seeds, roots, leaves and flowers last longer than crushed or ground herbs and spices. When you are preparing to store your dry herbs and spices it is vital that they are completely dry. A good indication is to rub it with your finger to check if it crumbles. As oxygen degrades dried herbs and spices over time, you should store them in airtight containers. Glass jars with sealable lids are perfect, and so are metal tins. Plastic won't do for long terms storage. Sunlight also degrades dried herbs and spices; therefore, it should be stored in a dark cabinet that is both cool and dry. If your spice rack is near the stove or cooker, steam will degrade your herbs and spices each time you open the container while cooking. When buying in bulk, you should always store only some of the dried herbs and spices in a glass or metal container. Each time you open it, it is exposed to the elements. When buying in bulk it is useful to label your containers with the purchase date and discard date
Overview It is believed that after pepper, coriander is the most widely used spice in the world. It is grown and processed worldwide, and in large quantities in Egypt. Its warm, husky, aromatic flavour is most commonly used in its ground form. Common Uses Coriander seeds are essential to Indian cooking. Its complex flavour is a touch sweet and a touch spicy. In Indonesian cooking, coriander is used for tempeh recipes and a masterful seasoning to bean dishes. Cabbage and corn are elevated to a whole new level with a handful of ground coriander seeds. It is added to chutneys and relishes as well and whole seeds are used for vegetable pickling. Recommended Storage The most important point is that dried herbs and spices can never go bad if they are kept dry. Yes, the potency is lost, but it will still influence the flavor of your cooking. Seeds, roots, leaves and flowers last longer than crushed or ground herbs and spices. When you are preparing to store your dry herbs and spices it is vital that they are completely dry. A good indication is to rub it with your finger to check if it crumbles. As oxygen degrades dried herbs and spices over time, you should store them in airtight containers. Glass jars with sealable lids are perfect, and so are metal tins. Plastic won't do for long terms storage. Sunlight also degrades dried herbs and spices; therefore, it should be stored in a dark cabinet that is both cool and dry. If your spice rack is near the stove or cooker, steam will degrade your herbs and spices each time you open the container while cooking. When buying in bulk, you should always store only some of the dried herbs and spices in a glass or metal container. Each time you open it, it is exposed to the elements. When buying in bulk it is useful to label your containers with the purchase date and discard date.
Overview Also known as Royal Cumin Seeds in India, black cumin seeds are superior spices superior in flavour and what it does to dishes. Black cumin seeds are the seeds of two different plants, with a smoky and earthy taste. Common Uses Black cumin seeds are perfectly suited for vegetable dishes. It is an essential element in Indian cooking. In fact, it is a sin not to use these seeds in British Indian Restaurants. Recommended Storage The most important point is that dried herbs and spices can never go bad if they are kept dry. Yes, the potency is lost, but it will still influence the flavor of your cooking. Seeds, roots, leaves and flowers last longer than crushed or ground herbs and spices. When you are preparing to store your dry herbs and spices it is vital that they are completely dry. A good indication is to rub it with your finger to check if it crumbles. As oxygen degrades dried herbs and spices over time, you should store them in airtight containers. Glass jars with sealable lids are perfect, and so are metal tins. Plastic won't do for long terms storage. Sunlight also degrades dried herbs and spices; therefore, it should be stored in a dark cabinet that is both cool and dry. If your spice rack is near the stove or cooker, steam will degrade your herbs and spices each time you open the container while cooking. When buying in bulk, you should always store only some of the dried herbs and spices in a glass or metal container. Each time you open it, it is exposed to the elements. When buying in bulk it is useful to label your containers with the purchase date and discard date.
Overview Mint is one of the most valued and versatile herbs. Its sweet and strong aroma and flavour is the star in many sauces, desserts and spice rubs. It is one of the most popular herbal tea herbs, and its essential oils are highly valuable. Common Uses Spearmint is used in mint sauces that are available worldwide. Mint sauces accompany lamb dishes extremely well. Wines are also flavoured with mint specifically peppermint. Many desserts require peppermint to make them perfect. This includes chocolate, orange and ice cream desserts. Both spearmint and peppermint add refreshing tastes to casseroles, stews, salads and cooked vegetables. Mint is also used in chutneys. Recommended Storage The most important point is that dried herbs and spices can never go bad if they are kept dry. Yes, the potency is lost, but it will still influence the flavor of your cooking. Seeds, roots, leaves and flowers last longer than crushed or ground herbs and spices. When you are preparing to store your dry herbs and spices it is vital that they are completely dry. A good indication is to rub it with your finger to check if it crumbles. As oxygen degrades dried herbs and spices over time, you should store them in airtight containers. Glass jars with sealable lids are perfect, and so are metal tins. Plastic won't do for long terms storage. Sunlight also degrades dried herbs and spices; therefore, it should be stored in a dark cabinet that is both cool and dry. If your spice rack is near the stove or cooker, steam will degrade your herbs and spices each time you open the container while cooking. When buying in bulk, you should always store only some of the dried herbs and spices in a glass or metal container. Each time you open it, it is exposed to the elements. When buying in bulk it is useful to label your containers with the purchase date and discard date.
Overview Mint is one of the most valued and versatile herbs. Its sweet and strong aroma and flavour is the star in many sauces, desserts and spice rubs. It is one of the most popular herbal tea herbs, and its essential oils are highly valuable. Common Uses Spearmint is used in mint sauces that are available worldwide. Mint sauces accompany lamb dishes extremely well. Wines are also flavoured with mint specifically peppermint. Many desserts require peppermint to make them perfect. This includes chocolate, orange and ice cream desserts. Both spearmint and peppermint add refreshing tastes to casseroles, stews, salads and cooked vegetables. Mint is also used in chutneys. Recommended Storage The most important point is that dried herbs and spices can never go bad if they are kept dry. Yes, the potency is lost, but it will still influence the flavor of your cooking. Seeds, roots, leaves and flowers last longer than crushed or ground herbs and spices. When you are preparing to store your dry herbs and spices it is vital that they are completely dry. A good indication is to rub it with your finger to check if it crumbles. As oxygen degrades dried herbs and spices over time, you should store them in airtight containers. Glass jars with sealable lids are perfect, and so are metal tins. Plastic won't do for long terms storage. Sunlight also degrades dried herbs and spices; therefore, it should be stored in a dark cabinet that is both cool and dry. If your spice rack is near the stove or cooker, steam will degrade your herbs and spices each time you open the container while cooking. When buying in bulk, you should always store only some of the dried herbs and spices in a glass or metal container. Each time you open it, it is exposed to the elements. When buying in bulk it is useful to label your containers with the purchase date and discard date.
Overview Fennel Seed is a small elongated seed that is both used whole or ground and is identified by its licoricey flavour. It is native to the Mediterranean region, but also grown and processed in the Middle East. In India, it is most welcoming to receive a bowl of fennel seeds with small sugar crystals after a meal is paid for. It freshens the breath and leaves the mouth with that licoricey smell. Common Uses Fennel seeds can be used whole or ground in a wide array of meat and fish dishes. It also adds unique flavours to vegetarian dishes such as dahls, grain pilafs and vegetable curries. Italian cuisine benefits from fennel seeds by adding it to breads and meaty stews. It is not only limited to savoury dishes, no, fruit salads with a sprinkle of fennel seeds makes for quite a taste sensation. Homemade crackers with a sprinkle of fennel seed is quite delicious too. Recommended Storage The most important point is that dried herbs and spices can never go bad if they are kept dry. Yes, the potency is lost, but it will still influence the flavor of your cooking. Seeds, roots, leaves and flowers last longer than crushed or ground herbs and spices. When you are preparing to store your dry herbs and spices it is vital that they are completely dry. A good indication is to rub it with your finger to check if it crumbles. As oxygen degrades dried herbs and spices over time, you should store them in airtight containers. Glass jars with sealable lids are perfect, and so are metal tins. Plastic won't do for long terms storage. Sunlight also degrades dried herbs and spices; therefore, it should be stored in a dark cabinet that is both cool and dry. If your spice rack is near the stove or cooker, steam will degrade your herbs and spices each time you open the container while cooking. When buying in bulk, you should always store only some of the dried herbs and spices in a glass or metal container. Each time you open it, it is exposed to the elements. When buying in bulk it is useful to label your containers with the purchase date and discard date.
Overview Marjoram is very closely related to oregano, but very different in so many ways. It is perhaps the ultimate meat herb because it elevates both meat and poultry to a whole new level. This aromatic herb has been used since the beginning of time and it grows very well in hot areas such as North Africa and the Middle East. Common Uses Even though it works perfectly with meat, it is an excellent herb for vegetable-based dishes. It should be used in combination with other herbs and spices as it is very pungent and can overpower all other flavours. Italian dishes would lack without marjoram. Pizza sauces, soups, salad dressings and grain dishes all taste excellent when marjoram is added. Recommended Storage The most important point is that dried herbs and spices can never go bad if they are kept dry. Yes, the potency is lost, but it will still influence the flavor of your cooking. Seeds, roots, leaves and flowers last longer than crushed or ground herbs and spices. When you are preparing to store your dry herbs and spices it is vital that they are completely dry. A good indication is to rub it with your finger to check if it crumbles. As oxygen degrades dried herbs and spices over time, you should store them in airtight containers. Glass jars with sealable lids are perfect, and so are metal tins. Plastic won�?�¢??t do for long terms storage. Sunlight also degrades dried herbs and spices; therefore, it should be stored in a dark cabinet that is both cool and dry. If your spice rack is near the stove or cooker, steam will degrade your herbs and spices each time you open the container while cooking. When buying in bulk, you should always store only some of the dried herbs and spices in a glass or metal container. Each time you open it, it is exposed to the elements. When buying in bulk it is useful to label your containers with the purchase date and discard date.
Collected from farms, sun dried or machine dried at 8% humidity. Machine separation of stems from seeds. Cleaning any impurities. Packing for Export Product Type: Single Herbs & Spices Style: Dried Drying Process: sun dried or machine dried at 8% humidity Place of Origin: Egypt Packaging & Delivery Packaging Details 25kg polypropylene bags Shipping Method 20ft (13 Metric Tons) 40ft (26 Metric Tons)
Fermented & Processed Pickles Fermented and processed pickles create tasty salads, snacks, side dishes and toppings. They are low in fat, fresh and can be easily stored. In Egypt and the Middle East, torsi â?? a mix of vegetable pickle is an everyday side dish for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Pickled radishes, turnips, carrots, cucumber, onion and chili are the most commonly consumed, together with cauliflower, olives and lemon. There are many health benefits related to adding pickled vegetables to one's diet. Ancient Egyptians loved pickles and Cleopatra claimed that pickles helped her maintain her beauty. It increases your metabolism, brine pickles are calorie free, they are ideal for low carb snacking and good for the digestive system. Our fermented and processed pickles are prepared with cold, salted brine for up to three months so that the bitter compound is removed, the vegetables are softened and imbued in flavor. It is then washed and sorted and packaged in containers in a brine solution for its preservation. The harvesting process plays a key role in our pickle produce. Our farmers select the finest olives and vegetables. Each olive is selected according to ripeness before the fermentation process commences. For the preservation process, our vegetables and olives are transferred to large tanks that are filled with a brine solution, which is made up of water and 10% salt. It takes up to three months for the fermentation process to be completed. This process is necessary to break down the sugar in the vegetables, and to produce the carbon dioxide so that the pickled vegetables can be stored for many months after packaging. Once the fermentation process is complete, the vegetables and olives are removed from the brine and immersed in water to remove all the salt. At this stage any slicing and selecting takes place. The vegetables and olives are then packaged with a liquor consisting of brine and labelled for shipment.
Overview The tropical Hibiscus flower is a very popular item in spice shops all over the Middle East and Europe. It can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Hibiscus tea is also very widely enjoyed for both its flavour and health benefits. It can be chilled for a decent, tart drink. Dried hibiscus flowers can also be burnt and used as hair dyes. Common Uses Hibiscus tea is made from a mixture of dried flowers, leaves and the dark red calyces of this plant. In cooking it is used more than a garnish rather than for its flavour. When the dried, red flowers are seeped in boiled water, it releases a dark red colour and a very tart flavour that works well in both teas, cocktails and sauces. Recommended Storage The most important point is that dried herbs and spices can never go bad if they are kept dry. Yes, the potency is lost, but it will still influence the flavor of your cooking. Seeds, roots, leaves and flowers last longer than crushed or ground herbs and spices. When you are preparing to store your dry herbs and spices it is vital that they are completely dry. A good indication is to rub it with your finger to check if it crumbles. As oxygen degrades dried herbs and spices over time, you should store them in airtight containers. Glass jars with sealable lids are perfect, and so are metal tins. Plastic won't do for long terms storage. Sunlight also degrades dried herbs and spices; therefore, it should be stored in a dark cabinet that is both cool and dry. If your spice rack is near the stove or cooker, steam will degrade your herbs and spices each time you open the container while cooking. When buying in bulk, you should always store only some of the dried herbs and spices in a glass or metal container. Each time you open it, it is exposed to the elements. When buying in bulk it is useful to label your containers with the purchase date and discard date
Overview Liquorice is a dried root from a plant that is indigenous to the Middle East and Central Asia. The roots are harvested, cleaned, beaten and when the roots reach straight lengths, it is dried. Liquorice roots add sweet flavours to cakes and baked goods. Common Uses Liquorice root can be ground and added to a coffee blend, as a natural sweeting agent. It is highly recommended in gamy meats to enhance the already sweet element that these venison cuts hold. Liquorice is very often used in desserts such as ice creams, panna cotta, toffees and liqueurs. It can be used to flavour sugar and dried fruits. Recommended Storage The most important point is that dried herbs and spices can never go bad if they are kept dry. Yes, the potency is lost, but it will still influence the flavor of your cooking. Seeds, roots, leaves and flowers last longer than crushed or ground herbs and spices. When you are preparing to store your dry herbs and spices it is vital that they are completely dry. A good indication is to rub it with your finger to check if it crumbles. As oxygen degrades dried herbs and spices over time, you should store them in airtight containers. Glass jars with sealable lids are perfect, and so are metal tins. Plastic won't do for long terms storage. Sunlight also degrades dried herbs and spices; therefore, it should be stored in a dark cabinet that is both cool and dry. If your spice rack is near the stove or cooker, steam will degrade your herbs and spices each time you open the container while cooking. When buying in bulk, you should always store only some of the dried herbs and spices in a glass or metal container. Each time you open it, it is exposed to the elements. When buying in bulk it is useful to label your containers with the purchase date and discard date.