How To Store Flour In Your Kitchen To Keep It Safe, Fresh

Flour is a staple in our kitchens and most of us prefer buying it in bulk. Buying flour in bulk does save us some money but it brings along the challenge of maintaining its freshness. The storing thus plays a key role. Here are some storage hacks for whole wheat flour, and refined flour to keep the quality intact and prevent spoilage.

What Is The Best Way To Preserve Flour?

Flours should be stored in good quality airtight containers. Containers made of plastic, metal, or glass can be used to store flour. Before adding in the flour, ensure that the containers are completely clean and dry or you will end up spoiling your flour.

Where Should The Flour Be Stored?

After storing the flour in the right container, it should be placed at the right location. The container can be kept in a cool and dark place. It should always be away from direct sunlight, oven or stove. A cupboard is the perfect place to keep it. The cupboard should be dry, and have no moisture or the flour would easily catch it. Flour containers should also not be placed around foods or areas that emit a strong smell as the flour quickly absorbs odour.

How To Keep A Track Of The Flour's Freshness?

Before storing the flour, check the date of purchase and expiration. Make a label with these two details and stick it on the flour container. This will help you track how fresh your flour is. 

How To Prevent Mixing Flours?

We use multiple flours at home for our food preparations. Keep all your flour like whole wheat, refined flour or maida, ragi flour, and oats flour in different containers. If you mix all your flours, it can affect the product quality. 

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Can We Store Flour In The Refrigerator?

Some flours like whole grain flour, almonds, coconut flour, or those containing natural oils should be refrigerated since they are at a higher risk of getting spoiled quickly. Refrigerating increases their freshness. Freezing is another option to maintain the freshness of flour for a long time. Freezing prevents early spoilage. To freeze your flour, transfer it to an airtight freezer bag. Before use, make sure you let it get back to room temperature.

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Quick Tips To Check Flour Freshness

• Before use, always check for any signs of spoilage like the odour. If it smells musty, it is spoiled. Flours should smell neutral.
• If your flour has changed texture or got clumpy, there are chances it is spoiled. Flours should always have a soft and fine consistency.
• Look for any pests, if there are any insects in the flour, discard it immediately.
• Flours should be used before their expiration date. Some flours have a shorter shelf life and it is recommended to use them timely.
• A lot of us buy flour in large quantities, so make sure you are using the older batches before and keeping the new ones for use later.