Bolner’s Fiesta Products, Inc. – Product FAQ

What is the expiration date of my spices?
Our Spices have a three year shelf life from the date of manufacture. To find out when your jar of spices expires, locate the 14-digit code that is in a blue box on the label. For the Institutional Jars, this is located on the bottom of the front panel. The Medium and Large jars have this on the bottom corner of the label. For cello items, this number is located on the front of the package either under the product name or on the upper left corner of the package.

The last six digits of this number represent the date of expiration for your jar. In our medium jar example, the date of expiration is October 15, 2017.

What is a spice?
Generally a spice is a singular aromatic vegetable product–root, leaves, berries or barks whose whole purpose in food is to provide only flavor and not any nutritional value.

What is considered a seasoning?
A seasoning consist of several various spices and flavorings mixed together to create one flavor profile such as a fajita seasoning or seasoning salt.

Where should spices and seasonings be stored?
Recommended storage for spices and seasoning blends should be in a cool, dry place away from heat exposure, moisture or sunlight. This includes red color spices such as chili powder, which tends to fade when exposed to sunlight or heat. Avoid storing seasonings and spices over your stove, dishwasher, sink or window.

What is the shelf life of Bolner’s Fiesta Products, Inc. spices and seasonings?
If stored properly spices and seasoning blends can have up to a 3 year shelf life.

How can I tell if my spices and herbs are fresh? Spoiled?
Spices and herbs are evaluated by your following senses to determine freshness: appearance, smell and taste. If your spices are faded this is an indication that it will lack flavor. If you are unable to smell the spices or herb or unable to taste its flavor then your spices or herbs are not fresh.

Can I freeze spices, seasonings and herbs?
Spices, seasonings or herbs should not be frozen. Freezing does not extend the shelf life of regularly used spices and seasonings. If stored in the freezer and repeatedly removed for use, the bottle may develop moisture, which will increase flavor loss and molding.

How can I preserve the flavor and quality of my spices and seasonings?
Always put the cap back on the jar of spices and seasonings every time you use them. Never sprinkle spices or seasonings directly into a cooking pot. The steam and heat tend to cause moisture in the jar. This causes flavor loss and potential molding.

Do spices contain Gluten?
To our knowledge individual spices do not contain gluten that is generally associated with wheat and wheat products. If Bolner’s Fiesta adds an ingredient to a seasoning containing gluten it will clearly be identified in the ingredient statement.

What about infestation?
As with cereal, flour and other grain products, spices and seasonings can occasionally become infested by what are called “stored product” insects. The name indicates the source of the problem. The best precaution is to refrigerate such items as paprika, chili powder and red pepper (since they are especially susceptible) especially during the extremely hot periods of summer. However, there is no substitute for periodic inspections and an attitude that freshness is important.

What is the nutritional value of spices?
In general, most spices have no significant nutritional value, that is why the “Nutrition Facts” panel does not appear on some of the package labeling. Bolner’s Fiesta products does include a statement explaining “no significant nutritional value” if it applies. Exceptions include paprika and chili products, which may contain Vitamin A. Many seasonings contain other ingredients such as sodium which does have a nutritional value.

Do Spices contain allergens?
Spices are currently not listed as food allergens in section 555.250 of the Food and Drug Administration Compliance Policy Guide. If Bolner’s Fiesta Seasonings do contain allergens they will be declared in the ingredient statement section as stated in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations Section 101.22 by their common name.

Allergens in our Blends.
In our facility, we do house and process products that contain wheat, soy, shrimp, milk and occasionally peanuts. However, we are an SQF level II certified facility, which requires us to use the strictest measures possible to avoid any cross contamination of allergens during receiving, storage, production and post production operations.

What are “Other Spices” listed on the ingredient statement?
The Food and Drug Administration allows the following spices to be declared as “other spices” in the ingredient statement: Allspice, Anise, Basil, Bay Leaves, Caraway Seeds, Cardamon, Celery Seed, Chervil, Cinnamon, Cloves, Corriander, Cumin Seed, Dill Seed, Fennel Seed, Fenugreek, Ginger, Horseradish, Mace, Marjoram, Mustard Flour, Nutmeg, Oregano, Paprika, Parsley, Rosemary, Saffron, Sage, Savory, Star Anise Seed, Pepper: Black, Red, White; Tarragon, Thyme and Tumeric.

Are Fiesta Spices GMO Free?
Spices are generally not genetically modified organisms and are grown from traditional seed stock.

Other Technical Questions?
If you have any technical questions regarding any Bolner’s Fiesta Products please email us at [email protected].