If you’re looking to get the most out of your spices, we recommend buying whole spices over ground whenever possible. Because whole spices have less surface area that’s exposed to oxygen—the key offender in the spice degradation game—they’ll hold onto their flavor for a longer period of time. Another hot tip is to shop for spices at specialty markets or spice stores rather than buying them at your local supermarket. Spices sold at a specialty market may be a bit more expensive, but they’ll stay fresher for longer, which will help you save money in the end. It’s a good idea to do a spice cabinet sweep every six months to make sure you’re not still utilizing the old stuff. Ensuring that you’re cooking with the freshest spices will guarantee that dishes like kebabs or spiced rice with crispy chickpeas are as bold and flavorful as can be. However, before you throw those old spices in the trash, consider repurposing them. As it turns out, there are many ways to reuse old spices and avoid unnecessary waste. RELATED: 6 Creative Hobbies That Double as Stress-Busters RELATED: Exfoliation Is the Secret to Glowing Skin—But Only If You’re Doing It Right