Why Freshly Ground Spices Smell Alive (And Old Ones Don’t)
Aroma Is the First Thing to Leave
Spices don’t go bad immediately.
They go quiet first.
The aroma fades long before expiry dates arrive.
Why This Happens
Spices contain volatile oils.
Over time:
Exposure to air
Heat
Light
causes these oils to evaporate.
The spice still colours food — but it no longer speaks.
Signs of Living Spices
Good spices:
Release aroma instantly
Smell deep, not dusty
Require smaller quantities
Dead spices need more — and still disappoint.
How We Choose Spices at Kolla
We prioritise:
Smaller batches
Strong aroma testing
Proper storage
Because spice quality shapes everything that follows.
If your food smells flat, check your spices first. They might be tired.