With health-conscious eaters in recent years, flasseed is one of the more beneficial superfoods to catch on to.The oily seeds have a rich, nutty flavor that makes them a great addition to a wide range of foods.The best place to store flaxseed is in a dark place, like a refrigerator, where it will last up to a year.If you have already ground flaxseed, try to use the processed portion within a couple months to get the most out of it before it goes bad.
Step 1: Leave it in its original packaging for at least six months.
Flaxseed can be found in vacuum-sealed bags or refrigerated pouches.If you tend to go through the superfood in a hurry, one of these containers will work well for short-term storage.Slip a rubber band around the bag or pouch and put it in the fridge.When you open the fridge, keep your flaxseed on a central shelf.You will be less likely to forget about it.
Step 2: flaxseed was transferred to a jar.
Glass jars are the best way to store oily grains.They can be washed and reuse an infinite number of times because their canning lids lock down to form an airtight seal.It is easier to identify what is in the jar and see how much you have left at a glance if they are transparent.The mason jars should be labeled with the contents and the expiration date.If you use glass in a nonreactive substance, you won't have to worry about the flaxseed breaking down before it's time.
Step 3: For 3-6 months, keep your flaxseed in a container.
You can use standard plastic storage containers if you want to use flaxseed within a couple months.They are available in a variety of sizes, and you can dig a spare out of the back of a cabinet or drawer.For freshness, look for containers that are tightly sealed.Don't use plastic containing BPAs.It is possible for harmful chemicals to get into foods that have been in storage for a while.
Step 4: For 1-2 weeks, keep pre-portioned flaxseed in a bag.
A plastic bag will suffice if you don't have a more durable container.Press out as much air as you can before you seal the bag to avoid spilling the flaxseed.The zip closure needs to be snapped tight all the way across.Plastic bags are useful for storing leftovers, meal prepping, and packing lunches because they come in multiple sizes.Since plastic bags are more likely to break, they shouldn't be used for storing sensitive grains like flaxseed.
Step 5: Dark containers are best over clear ones.
Dark containers, like green glass and tinted Tupperware, admit less light, which is one of the worst enemies of fresh flaxseed.They will provide more lasting results than transparent containers.When storing flaxseed at room temperature, don't leave it in bright-lit areas, such as on the countertop in the path of the setting sun.
Step 6: For 3-4 days, place freshly-ground flaxseed in an airtight container.
When whole flaxseed is reduced to small pieces, it can break down quickly, which can cause it to spoil in as little as a week.Grains should be put into a sealed jar or piece of Tupperware after they've been processed.Their shelf life will be extended by this.Try not to open the container unless it's to portion out a scoop, and double check that the lid is secure.Try to use up your ground flaxseed as soon as possible in order to get the most out of it.If you have room in the refrigerator, you can stretch your ground flaxseed for as long as 3 months.
Step 7: For a year, keep your flaxseed refrigerated.
It is possible to preserve freshly-opened flaxseed in the refrigerator.The grains will be protected from both heat and light, which can cause them to spoil early.If the container is the right size, it can easily go into the fridge.It's a good idea to put away flaxseed in the refrigerator.It is possible to store flaxseed at room temperature for 6 whole months.
Step 8: The shelf life of unused flaxseed is over a year.
Look a few feet higher if the refrigerator space is limited.If you prefer to buy it in bulk, storing your flaxseed in the freezer is a good idea.Since the surrounding temperature is so low, it will stay good for a long time.It is not necessary to thaw frozen flaxseed prior to grinding or adding it to food.
Step 9: You should only grind as much as you plan to use right away.
When you are ready to make a green smoothie or bowl of oats, hold off on processing your whole flaxseed.Return the rest of the amount to the pantry or refrigerator.It will increase the lifespan of your supply.It can be frozen for as long as 3 months.The sooner you use it, the better.
Step 10: Ground flaxseed needs to be protected from exposure.
If you are grinding flaxseed, add it to your food or put it in a storage container without delay.The longer it's out, the more likely it is to get wet.Dry air can kick off oxidation.Don't open a container of ground flaxseed in the kitchen.As soon as you finish portioning, return your storage container to the fridge or freezer.
Step 11: Before you use your flaxseed, make sure it's fresh.
When flaxseed is spoils, it becomes rancid.To make sure it is okay to eat, open the container and smell the flaxseed.If the smell is questionable, it is probably best to throw it away.Fresh flaxseed has a mild, nutty scent.Consuming spoiled flaxseed isn't dangerous, but it may have an unpleasant taste.