[Southflanknorthpawsis]

I wondered about potency. Your post is informative. Thanks

I do keep all spices, etc, in a kitchen drawer on the other side of the room from the oven.

[little jeremiah]

Also, I've found that the small bottles and cans of spices, herbs and so on in the grocery stores are usually stale (and quite expensive). I prefer to buy mine at natural food stores or stores that have jars of them in bulk, and you measure out the amount you need. They're usually cheaper this way too. After about a year, toss them and buy new ones.

I used to be a cook so I really prefer fresh, potent spices and herbs!