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 hate to through them out if they can still be used,
> I'm sure I paid a fortune for them at some specialty store. Any ideas
> would be appreciated.
>
> thanks, Bliss
>

Chiles really loose their punch after a while. When they get that gray
color I think they are down to 10% of their original flavor.

Dried mushrooms last for a really long time and I would just use them as
usual.