Steve Pope wrote:
> timbrel > wrote:
>
>> Maybe this is silly, but in re-arranging my pantry I find dried
>> chipotles, other dried chiles, and sun-dried tomatoes. They are old
>> I know, but they look--please don't laugh--lifeless. The dried
>> mushrooms, that may or may not be as old, still look good. Is there
>> an expiration date?
>
> I've probably used dried New Mexico chilis that were two years old.
> Since they are only produced for a few months each autumn, it's
> pretty routine that people use them up to say 10 months old. The
> flavor is best in the first few months, in my experience.
>
> Dunno about the tomatoes or mushrooms though.
>
> Steve

"Lifeless"? Gray? Exposure to light might bleach them.
How old? 10 months, per Steve's example , or 10 years?

If they're not obviously "bad", rehydrate and try some. Unwanted
odors/tastes could have been absorbed, depending on how they were stored.
I suppose they could lose flavor over time, like herbs.

I've used chipotles that may have been three years old old and they were
fine.

My guess is they're safe, but maybe bland, weak. Just a guess...

--
Dave S