How Long Does Paprika Stay Fresh?

Paprika is a common spice found in many pantries. Made from the chili peppers and bell peppers of the Capsicum annuum species, this spice has a mildly sweet and peppery flavor, per the McCormick Science Institute. One of the greatest things about paprika is that it infuses dishes with flavor without overwhelming them. Because of this gentle flavor, you can use it to elevate stews and casseroles, or even incorporate it into a spice rub.

The flavor that paprika provides is one of the main reasons for its popularity. However, there is another benefit this spice offers: its ability to improve health. According to WebMD, because paprika is derived from Capsicum annuum, it contains capsaicin, an important compound in peppers. Capsaicin allows paprika to improve immune function, relieve flatulence, and even lower cancer risk, per WebMD. So, this flavorful, healthy spice is definitely one that you'll want to keep in your cabinets. Although, like many spices, paprika doesn't stay fresh forever.

According to McCormick, paprika stays fresh for about two to four years, but there are several things you can do to extend its shelf life. For one, you should refrain from placing paprika and other spices in the cabinets above your stove. Heat makes spices expire faster, so it's essential to keep them in a cool area. Another thing you can do to lengthen the life of paprika is storing it in an airtight container, per MasterClass. Storing this spice in an airtight container will keep its flavor strong for as long as possible. The best containers are ones that prevent exposure to light, as paprika is of the highest quality when stored in a dark space.

Although paprika does technically expire after two to four years, it is still completely safe for you to use it past the expiration date, per Prevention. When spices go bad, they simply lose their color, taste, and smell. So, while you can definitely still incorporate expired paprika into your dishes, it probably won't infuse your food with very much flavor.

According to MasterClass, the three most common types of paprika are basic paprika, Hungarian paprika, and Spanish paprika. Basic paprika is the most common variety. This type of paprika is neither overly sweet nor overly spicy, making it perfect for infusing various dishes with a mild flavor.

As the name suggests, Hungarian paprika is commonly used in Hungarian dishes like goulash. Some types of Hungarian paprika are hot, while other types have strong notes of sweetness, per The Hungarian Paprika. The key difference between the Hungarian and Spanish varieties of paprika is the smokey flavor. Many types of Spanish paprika are made from smoked chili peppers, giving the spice a deep, smoke-infused taste. Regardless of the type of paprika you prefer, it's important to remember that this spice will stay fresh for about two to four years and that the way you store it can affect its shelf life.