Bolner's Fiesta Products, Inc. - Product FAQ

How do I read the date codes on products from Bolner's Fiesta Products, Inc.

All products from Bolner's Fiesta Products are labeled with a 14-digit date code. Example (24252601122715) the first six digits (242526) are our lot number used for tracking purposes. The seventh and eighth numbers are an internal identifier (typically a '00' or '01). The last six digits (122715) = (December 27, 2015) is the date of best used by.

What is a spice?

Generally a spice is a singular aromatic vegetable product--root, leaves, seeds, 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 near a window.

What is the shelf life of Bolner's Fiesta Products, Inc. spices and seasonings?

If stored properly, our spices and seasoning blends have up to a 3 year shelf life.

How can I tell if my spices and herbs are fresh?

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 or taste their flavor, then your spices or herbs may no longer be 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 may result in flavor loss and molding.

How can I preserve the flavor and quality of my spices and seasonings?

Always put the cap tightly 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 may result in flavor loss and 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 wheat gluten it will clearly be identified as "Wheat" or "Wheat Flour" in the ingredient and allergen statement. Corn flour (containing corn gluten) is used in a few of our products. It will also be clearly labeled in the ingredient statement as "Corn Flour". More information on our gluten free items can be found here.

What about infestation?

Because we use only the highest quality ingredients and follow the strictest food manufacturing guidelines, we guarantee you will always receive our products fresh and free of any pests. However, once the product arrives to your home or business there are many different kinds of insects that can occasionally infest spices and seasonings. These insects are commonly referred to as "stored-product" insects. The best precaution is to always remember to replace and tightly secure the cap immediately after use. To ensure freshness, periodically inspect and immediately replace any affected products.

Additional precaution can be taken by refrigerating such items as paprika, chili powder and red pepper, which tend to be more susceptible, especially during the extremely hot periods of summer.

What is the nutritional value of spices?

Although many spices may contain some nutritional benefits in larger quantities, the FDA sets a standard serving size as ¼ tsp (1g) for spices, in which all of our nutrition panels are derived from. Because of this, individual spices and some spice blends may not have any significant nutritional value per serving. In these cases, there will not be a Nutritional Facts Panel on the package label, rather, the statement "This product contains no significant nutritional value". However, many seasoning blends do contain salt and other ingredients that may lead to the requirement of a Nutritional Panel, which will be found on the jar or bag label if applicable.

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 ingredients containing allergens, they will be declared, by their common name, at the end of the Ingredients statement.

What are "Other Spices" listed on the ingredient statement?

The term Spice means any aromatic vegetable substance in the whole, broken or ground form, except for those substances which have been traditionally regarded as foods, such as onions, garlic and celery; whose significant function in food is seasoning rather than nutritional; that is true to name; and from which no portion of any volatile oil or other flavoring principle has been removed. Spices include the spices listed in §182.10 and part 184 of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, such as the following: Allspice, Anise, Basil, Bay leaves, Caraway seed, Cardamon, Celery seed, Chervil, Cinnamon, Cloves, Coriander, Cumin seed, Dill seed, Fennel seed, Fenugreek, Ginger, Horseradish, Mace, Marjoram, Mustard flour, Nutmeg, Oregano, Parsley, Pepper, black; Pepper, white; Pepper, red; Rosemary, Saffron, Sage, Savory, Star aniseed, Tarragon, Thyme.

Paprika, turmeric and saffron or other spices which are also colors, shall be declared as "Spice and Coloring" unless declared by their common or usual name. Click here for a complete listing of "Spices" as defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

There are two main types of cinnamon: Cassia cinnamon and Ceylon cinnamon. The Fiesta Brand Ground Cinnamon is Cassia cinnamon. The Fiesta Brand Cinnamon Sticks are Ceylon cinnamon. Other Technical Questions?

We love to hear from our customers and always welcome your questions or comments. If you have further technical questions regarding any Bolner's Fiesta Products please email us at info@fiestaspices.com.