There are multiple variables, such as temperature, humidity and insects, which can affect the quality of the flour. Shelf life varies depending on the variety of flour and it is important to know how to properly store each one to get the best possible result. By using simple precautions, such as using airtight containers and storing the flour in a cool and dry environment, you will be able to keep it in perfect condition for a long time.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Storing Refined Flours
Step 1. Transfer the refined flours to an airtight container
Refined flours, such as self-raising flour, 00 and preparations for bread or pizza, are among the most used products. Since you probably use them often, you should keep them in a sealed container to protect them from air, moisture and insects.
You can use a food container with an airtight lid or a resealable plastic bag
Step 2. Store refined flours in a cool, dry environment
On average, these flours have a shelf life of 1-2 years, as long as they are stored in a cool and dry place. Store the containers with the flours in a kitchen cabinet or pantry.
Step 3. Notice if the flour has an acidic smell that indicates it has turned rancid
If you are concerned that the flour is turning rancid, smell it to see if it still smells good. Refined flours tend to develop a sour and unpleasant smell when they go bad.
Part 2 of 3: Storing Special Flours
Step 1. Store whole wheat flour, dried fruit flours, and alternative flours in the freezer if you want them to last a long time
Wholemeal flours, such as barley, wheat, oats, millet or quinoa, have an average shelf life of a few months. Alternative flours and dried fruit flours tend to spoil even faster than cereal flours, as they are characterized by a high oil content. If you want them to keep fresh for a long time, store them in the freezer so that the oil in the flour doesn't oxidize as quickly as when exposed to air.
- Alternatively, you can store these flours in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life up to 6 months. If you decide to store them in the freezer instead, they can last up to 1 year.
- Transfer the flour to an airtight container before placing it in the freezer.
Step 2. Store flours that do not contain whole grains and starches in the pantry
These varieties of flours can be kept fresh for up to 1 year (and often even longer) while normally storing them in the pantry or in a kitchen cabinet. Even in this case, however, you must be careful to transfer them to an airtight container.
These flours can also be stored in the freezer. Transfer them to an airtight container before freezing them
Step 3. Notice if the flour gives off an unpleasant smell that indicates that it has gone bad
The best thing to do to make sure the flour is still fresh is to smell it. Smell it for the first time when you transfer it to an airtight container to know what it smells like when it's fresh. If it goes bad, it will give off an unpleasant odor that can vary slightly depending on the type of flour, but which is generally characterized by acidic or fermented food notes.
- Wholemeal flours give off an odor reminiscent of burnt plastic when they become rancid.
- Alternative flours give off bitter notes when they go bad, while when fresh they have a sweet scent.
Part 3 of 3: Keeping the Flour Fresh
Step 1. Use the flour by the expiration date
Although the expiration date may sometimes be flexible, it has been affixed in accordance with applicable laws. It is therefore a good indicator of when it is time to throw away the flour. Before putting a new package of flour in your cart, check the expiration date for two reasons:
- To make sure it's a fresh product;
- To evaluate how much flour to buy to be sure to be able to use it within the recommended deadline.
Step 2. Store the flour in an airtight container
Transfer it to a container or bag that can be sealed to protect it from air, insects, and moisture. For example, you can buy convenient bucket containers online or in kitchenware stores.
- If you want to save space, you can use resealable food bags and store them in one large bucket container.
- The ideal choice would be to put the bags under vacuum.
- You can also leave the flour inside the original packaging and wrap it in cling film. This way you can also place it in the freezer to extend its shelf life.
Step 3. Fill the container to the brim
The more air there is in the container, the more likely it is that the flour will spoil quickly. To avoid this risk, try to fill the container as much as possible before sealing it.
Transfer the flour to a smaller container after you have used a substantial amount
Step 4. Store the container with the flour in a cool, dark place
The flour will quickly turn rancid if you leave it exposed to sunlight or heat. Find a cool, dark place to store the container, such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet. Keep it away from appliances that give off heat, such as stoves, ovens, or microwaves.
The expiration date is based on how long the flour can last in a cool, dark environment. If the package indicates that the flour can last 1-2 years, by storing it in the right conditions, for example in the pantry, it should stay fresh for as long as indicated
Step 5. Store the flour in the refrigerator or freezer if you want to make sure it lasts a long time
You can extend the shelf life by placing the container in the refrigerator or better yet in the freezer. First make sure the container or bag is perfectly sealed to protect the flour from moisture.
If you've bought a lot of packs of flour or a very large pack and you know you won't be using it anytime soon, the best thing to do is store it in the freezer. If, on the other hand, you intend to buy it in bulk and the expiration date is not indicated, it is better to buy a quantity suitable for use in a rather short time
Advice
- Try to buy only the flour you need to prevent excess flour from becoming rancid.
- Use square shaped containers to store flour in the pantry, refrigerator or freezer, as they take up less space than round ones.
