I still have one or two jars of some of the first habs Jim gave me in 98 and 99, still fragrant with that deep red aroma. But I've learned: 1. Do not shake or jostle the jar before or while opening. 2. Remove the lid SLOWLY. 3. Do not stick you nose in the jar; smell the air between the lid and the jar (this one is good for horseradish, too).