Do you have a pantry stocked full of good-for-you grains? If so, then you're likely wondering how long each will last. While most grains last longer than the perishables you keep in your fridge, they do have an expiration date. Knowing how long grains will remain fresh and how to store them is an essential part of practicing proper food hygiene. Continue reading to learn more about the average shelf-life of grains and discover ways to keep them fresher for longer.
How Long Do Grains Last?
The shelf life of a grain largely depends on the type you purchase and how you store it. Most grains will remain fresh for 6 months, with some having a shelf life of over a year when kept properly. While different grains have different requirements for storage, most grains are best kept in a cool, dry and dark place. Storing them in an area like the pantry will help prevent the grains from overheating or soaking up the moisture around them.
The most common way to tell if they have gone bad is by using your senses. If you notice that your once fresh grains have changed in color, texture or odor, don't eat them. This usually means that your grains have spoiled and are no longer safe to ingest.
If you've prepared grains and wonder how long they will last, the shelf life of already-cooked grains is much shorter than dried grains. Depending on the ingredients you mix with your grains and how you store them, we recommend enjoying prepared grains within 1-3 days. Frozen grains will last significantly longer.
The Shelf Life of Different Types of Grains
As we mentioned earlier, the type of grain significantly affects its shelf life. To better understand how long each grain lasts and how to tell if they've gone bad, the Bobs' Red Mill experts have put together this guide of popular grains and their average shelf life.
Oats
Oats are a grain that many people enjoy daily. When storing packages and dry mix oatmeal, you want to make sure that it is stored in a cool and dry environment with a consistent temperature. Temperature changes and moisture can significantly affect oatmeal's taste, flavor and texture and cause it to spoil quickly. Even if your oatmeal is kept in a package, temperature changes can produce condensation, causing the contents inside to rot or mold.
Once you've prepared oatmeal, you'll want to ensure that it is properly stored in the refrigerator or freezer immediately after being cooked. After preparing your oatmeal, spoon the leftovers into an airtight container that will help keep moisture and bacteria out. Store it at a temperature below 40°F.
However, even if your oats still look fresh, it's important to remember that, like many other seeds, oats usually have a best by date and should be enjoyed before then. If your dried oats begin to change color, retain moisture, or develop a strange scent, it's time to change them out for some fresh ones. For prepared oatmeal, the first sign of spoilage is a change in the texture where the liquid has separated from the other ingredients. If this happens, your oatmeal could be developing mold, and it is unsafe to consume.
Quinoa
Quinoa has a long shelf life if it's kept dry, and it's usually hard to tell if it's spoiled. Dried quinoa does not usually smell rancid or change texture if it's spoiled. Because of this, you'll want to check the bag of quinoa for the best by date and make sure you label the container you're storing it in. Cooked quinoa, however, does show a change in texture as it begins to spoil and will usually harden and grow mold.
To store quinoa to extend its shelf life, make sure to place it in an airtight container in a dark and cool place. Like oatmeal, cooked quinoa should be kept in a refrigerator or freezer and should not be allowed to sit at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. Additionally, to extend the shelf life of cooked or dried quinoa, you can place it in the freezer in a freezer-safe container.
Flour
Your pantry may be stocked with several different kinds of flour, and each will have an expiration date stamped on the bag. It's essential to make a note of this expiration date and watch your flour closely for changes. Moisture, bugs and high temperatures can cause the flour to spoil quicker than the expiration date. If you notice that your flour has changed in color, texture or smell, You will want to throw it out, no matter when it was purchased. The best indicator of spoiled flour is a batch that smells stale, musty or sour.
We hope that this guide has helped you better determine how to tell if your grains have gone bad, as well as provided you with tips on how to keep them fresh for longer. From airtight containers to freezing your grains, there are several ways to care for them properly. From the Bob's Red Mill family to yours, happy baking!
