On May 13, 5:26*am, jmcquown >
>
> Yes, peppercorns and spices in general do lose potency over a long
> period of time, sure. *I don't see any reason to freak out or throw them
> away because of some random date printed on a package.
>
> Think of the time it took to transport spices from the Orient back in
> the day (Marco Polo, anyone?). *I'm pretty sure no one on the ship was
> saying, "Hope for a good strong breeze, lads, these peppercorns are
> going to expire!" LOL
>
> Jill

As you say, I don't think they were worried. Lucky they weren't
transporting New Zealand lamb to England!
!