Flour is available in the powdered form obtained by grinding solid materials like rice, wheat, and many more. It makes many dishes like bread, cake, and pastry. You can use it for more days, saving your money if stored properly. Ineffective storing of the flour results in spoiling; if consumed, it will lead to severe health problems.
In this article, you’ll learn effective ways of storing the flour for long-term use, including the reasons flour goes bad and some storage tips for storing the flour for long years.
How to Store Flour Long Term
Every product has an expiration date. Similarly, the flour will have an expiration date if it is packed in 1kg or 25kg. Depending on how you store it, you can either increase or decrease the shelf life.
Factors That Affect the Flour Quality
Since several affecting factors are available, that can impact the flour’s quality. Any product will be damaged if subjected to moisture, heat, oxygen, lights, bugs, and insects. Let us know how the flour goes bad in detail.
#1 Oxidation
It takes place when air present in oxygen reacts with the nutrients in the flour and breaks down the molecules. And it happens with all kinds of flours, causing the natural oils to form rancid.
#2 Molds
Sudden changes in temperature or outside humidity cause the flour to absorb moisture and start forming moldy. You can sense the mold smell before you can see it.
#3 Insects
The flour which you get from the store consists of insect eggs. So, if you store it in an airtight container, you will notice insects like weevils or moths after a few days. It depends on the hatching time, maybe weeks or months. Once hatching takes place, infestation takes place, which is not removed easily.
#4 Absorbs Smell
Flours have the capability of absorbing the surrounding flavors. For example- If your flour is kept to the side of onions, it will absorb the onion flavor, and any dish prepared with it will smell the same. Never keep the flour next to the cleaning products.
Each flour has different shelf lives and properties, so we should know how to store them for effective use. Storing the flour in a cool and dry place in an airtight container will work well.
Generally, the flour won’t last for more than 6 months when kept in a paper cloth bag. If placed in an airtight container. If you follow some additional precautions like storing it in airtight containers, resealable bags, freezer, and mylar bags, it can stay fresh for a minimum of 1 year to 20 years.
Best Ways to Store Flour
There are many ways to store the flour for long-term use. You can either store it in the freezer or the pantry. To extend the shelf life to its maximum, you must follow the proper steps.
#1 Storing in the Original Package in the Pantry
It is the first option where you can leave the flour in its original packaging. You may think about how it will be possible?
While opening the flour package, some flour will splatter on the floor. Resealing the packaging is a hassle and completely impossible. So, you might think not to use the packet and allow it to store for a long time. No, it is not required.
You can place the open packet in a resealable freezer bag and later place it in the original package. And store the package in a cool, dry, and dark place in the pantry.
#2 Store in Airtight Container in the Pantry
To avoid the nuisance of storing the flour in packets, better to opt for an air-tight container. Flour stored in the container will stay fresh and easy to use. Simply pour the floor into the container, seal it tightly, and store it in a cool and dark place.
#3 Storing in Airtight Container in the Fridge
This option is viable if you prefer not to use the flour for a few months. Select a wide storage container suiting the fridge. You can keep the container anywhere in the fridge but keep away from liquids and smelling ingredients.
#4 Storing in Airtight Container in Freezer
Storing it in the freezer will improve the flour’s longevity. You can store any type of flour in the freezer. Placing it in the fridge will protect the floor from moisture and robust scents.
Pour the flour into the airtight container and check for a seal lock before placing it in the freezer. While using the flour, it should come down to room temperature; otherwise, it will alter the food taste.
#5 Storing in Mylar Bags in Combination with Oxygen Absorbers
It should be stored in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers for long-term storage. The bags are designed with metal-like materials for blocking moisture, light, and oxygen.
FAQS
How many years can we store flour?
Preserving the flour with correct precautions can last the flour for up to 20 years. Store the flour in an airtight container with an oxygen absorber lasting for 10 years or beyond.
Oxygen absorbers in combination with mylar bags can preserve the flour for up to twenty years or more.
How to store the flour for two years?
For flour to stay 2 years, place them in a freezer. You can also prefer a big airtight container instead of resealable freezer bags for placing in the freezer.
What are the consequences if you consume expired flour?
It will be judged based on the flour condition. So, it is always good to check the labels for expiry dates before using the flour. Preserving the flour properly can increase the shelf life. So, if it seems good and healthy, you can use the explored flour.
How to avoid the deposition of bugs in the flour?
Don’t place the flour beside windows and doors. Always seal the flour in a container. Before doing it, freeze the flour to remove insects, bugs, and eggs and protect it from infestations.
How to identify whether the floor is in good condition?
To identify the flour quality, trust your senses. If the flour starts exhibiting a bad odor, simply discard it.
Conclusion
The best options available to store the flour are mentioned in this article. You can pick anyone as per the purpose. Mylar bags, in combination with oxygen absorbers, will increase the shelf life and keep the flour in fresh condition. But this is in rare use.
If you would like to stick to the resealable freezer bags or airtight containers, try an oxygen absorber combination. This will increase the lifespan of the flour to months, years and decades.