Expiration & Storage Tips
When does celery seed expire?
Celery seeds, like most other spices, can last up to three to four years when kept unopened and stored properly. However, their potency begins to wane after the first year. Once opened, a jar of celery seed is at its best for about one to two years. After this period, the seeds don’t necessarily spoil, but they gradually lose their intensity and aroma.
If you've ground the celery seeds, they will retain their peak flavor for about six months.
Freezing is usually not necessary for celery seeds as long as they are stored in a cool, dark and dry place.
How do you tell if celery seed is bad?
One of the easiest ways to tell if celery seeds have gone bad is to simply check their smell and taste. Fresh and good-quality celery seeds have a robust and earthy aroma that's reminiscent of celery stalks. If the seeds are odorless or their aroma is significantly faint, it indicates that they might have lost their flavor. Similarly, if the seeds taste weak or bland, they're probably past their prime.
It's also important to look for signs of moisture or mold in the jar, which may indicate spoilage. However, this rarely happens unless the seeds have been exposed to humidity or water.
Tips for storing celery seed to extend shelf life
• Store celery seeds in an air-tight glass jar to keep them fresh for a longer period.
• Keep the jar in a cool, dark location like a pantry or a cabinet away from sunlight and hot appliances.
• Do not use wet spoons or introduce any moisture in the seed jar as it can promote mold growth.
• It’s best to buy whole celery seeds and grind them as needed. Ground seeds lose flavor faster.
• If you have more celery seeds than you can use within a couple of years, consider sharing them with friends or family or using them in larger-batch recipes.