It is based on the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). The use of CPI-W conflicts with this purpose, because the elderly consume substantially more health care goods and services than younger people.
4-6 months. Tips. 1  To store fresh mint: (1) Trim the ends and place in a glass containing about one inch of water; (2) Cover with a loose-fitting plastic bag and refrigerate; (3) Replace water when it gets cloudy.
Keep it whole. Whole spices, peppercorns and whole leaf herbs [where available] last longer than ground or crushed. If you can, purchase ingredients whole [like nutmeg, cloves, chiles, peppercorns etc.] and crumble, grind, crush, or shave them as needed. Keep it small. Keep it fresh. Rubs and Blends â 1-3 years [depends on the shelf-life of the component ingredients]. More specifically, here are some storage recommendations for some common herbs and spices, measured in years 1  : Allspice: 2 â 3. 2  Anise: whole, 3-4; ground, 2-3.