Does flour go bad?
Yes, says chefs and registered dietitians.
Here’s why, how to tell, and how to prevent it from happening.
Hate to break it to you, but flourdoesgo bad.
The key to keeping it good is proper storage.
Why does flour go bad?
special diet chef and certified nutritionist
Although it doesnt look it, flour is raw food that requires proper handling and storage.
Leaving it open and exposed to air will ruin the texture, says Resnick.
Hot homes, over 78F, will accelerate the oils in the flour going bad.
The pop in will dictate how long flour lasts in your cupboard.
White flour is best for longevity.
It can easily last several years in the cupboard without issue, says Resnick.
The more oil, the faster it will turn.
Once its past its best by date, the quality and taste with deteriorate.
As long as it isnt showing any of the below signs, its safe to cook and bake with.
special diet chef and certified nutritionist
If flour goes bad, it will smell rancidsort of like nuts or oil do.
Thats because its the oil in the flour turning, says Resnick.
Another sign your flour has gone bad is the presence of teeny tiny beetles commonly referred to as weevils.
But if you notice just a few weevils, they say its still safe to consumeafterbeing properly treated.
Lightly infested flour can be treated in small batches by either heating or freezing.
Proper storage
you could get the most life out of your flour by storing it correctly.
That paper or plastic bag it came in wont cut it.
If you would like to extend the shelf life consider storing it in the refrigerator or freezer.
The University of Idaho recommends using metal, glass, or hard plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
They are dishwasher and microwave safe.
They are dishwasher safe, but better to wash them by hand to protect the finish.
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