Gluten-free foods can be expensive, so it’s important to store them properly to avoid waste. Proper food storage also helps prevent cross-contact with gluten-containing foods in a shared household. With a little planning, you can make the most of the storage space you have available and create a system that keeps your food fresh and free from gluten.
In this guide, you’ll receive some simple tips for organizing your pantry to keep your gluten-free foods fresh and to prevent cross-contamination.
Invest in Proper Storage Containers
Shelf-stable foods are packaged in a way that keeps them fresh, but only until they're opened. This is especially true for gluten-free products, where freshness can be even more fleeting. Even dry goods like pasta and grains lose their freshness if exposed to air or moisture after opening.
To keep your pantry organized and your gluten-free essentials fresh, invest in airtight storage containers in a variety of sizes. A tightly sealed container will extend the shelf-life of opened food and protect it from pests.
When it comes to organizing your pantry, visibility is key. You want to be able to take stock of your supply with a quick glance. Clear storage containers are best—either glass or sturdy plastic.
Unlike many other brands, Schär's products don't contain preservatives. Since they freshly made, without the use of chemicals to prolong their shelf life, it means they can spoil faster once opened. Once the package is open, it's best to store the unused bread in an airtight container or resealable bag with the air squeezed out. Pop it in the fridge for 2-3 days, and it should stay fresher for longer. You’ll noticed that this tip is even noted on the seal of the vacuum bag of their breads and rolls.
You might be tempted to freeze the bread, thinking it'll keep it fresh for longer. While it might prolong the bread's shelf life, it's not the best move if you're after that just-baked taste and texture. Schär's products are crafted to be enjoyed without freezing.
Arrange Your Pantry Practically
Even if you’re not one to keep months’ worth of food in stock, it pays to keep your pantry organized. Keep staple items like gluten-free pasta, grains, and flours grouped together for easy access. Always store opened containers at the front with sealed containers behind. If you buy in bulk, make sure the containers you use will keep the food fresh for at least two months.
If shelf space is limited in your pantry, don’t waste it. Use shelving to keep opened containers visible and install hanging baskets under the shelves to store sealed containers. Once you go through your open stock, you can replace it with a fresh item from the basket. If you use this method, consider keeping an inventory list so you can quickly check your supply without having to go through all the drawers.
Label Things Thoroughly
When you grab a container from the pantry, you want to be able to tell what it is and when it was opened. A label maker is a fun tool to use for this purpose but if you don’t want to make the investment, pick up a small can of chalkboard paint and chalk markers from the hardware store. Brush a few layers of chalkboard paint onto each of your resealable containers and write down the product name, the date it was opened, and the best-by date (if noted by the manufacturer).
If you’re living in a shared household where some members aren’t gluten-free, include a notation on your labels. It should be easy to tell at a glance which foods are gluten-free and which are not. You may even want to keep all of your gluten-free foods together in one section of the pantry to help reduce the risk of cross-contact.
Consider Refrigerating Gluten-Free Foods
While gluten-free grains and flours are perfectly safe for room-temperature storage, refrigeration can expand their longevity. This is especially true for gluten-free packaged foods like bread. While some gluten-free bread is sold fresh or frozen, many products are sold in air-tight packaging to negate the need for artificial preservatives.
Gluten-free bread without preservatives should remain fresh until the package is opened but may be quick to mold or spoil once exposed to air and moisture. Foods like this should be transferred to an air-tight container after opening or in a food storage bag with the air squeezed out. Even if you refrigerate the product, it should still be used within 2 to 3 days.
6 Quick Tips for Keeping Popular Gluten-Free Foods Fresh
Proper storage is the best way to keep your food fresh whether it’s gluten-free or not, but there are some simple tips you can employ to make it last even longer. Here are a few to get you started:
- High-fat foods like nuts and seeds have a limited shelf life, so if you don’t plan to use them within a few weeks, it may be best to store them in the fridge or freezer.
- Store fresh herbs upright in a glass of water in the fridge (except basil, which should be stored at room temperature). Be sure to trim the stems first!
- Keep berries fresh for longer by rinsing them in a solution of 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar. This helps kill mold spores that will quickly spoil the fruit.
- Take leafy greens out of the bag and store them in a lidded container lined with a paper towel in the fridge instead.
- Store root vegetables like potatoes and squash in a cool, dark place – not in the fridge. The same goes for onions, garlic, and tomatoes.
- Keep dairy products and other foods that spoil quickly at the back of the fridge where the temperature is the coldest.
Whether you have a dedicated food pantry or a few cupboards in your kitchen, a little organization goes a long way. Not only will keeping an organized pantry ensure that your food stays fresher for longer, but it helps reduce the risk of cross-contact with gluten-containing foods.
