Flour is an indispensable product in every home. Without it, cooking fragrant homemade cakes, noodles, side dishes and sauces is not complete. As a rule, housewives buy a large amount of flour at once. Therefore, the issue of proper storage and compliance with the storage period of this product is very relevant. Despite the long shelf life of premium flour, this ingredient requires special storage conditions. Otherwise, he may lose his taste.
Subject to favorable conditions, the shelf life of premium flour can reach 10 years. Low-grade flour spoils faster because it is rich in fats, enzymes, and soluble carbohydrates. In this review, we will consider how to properly store flour and whether it is possible to increase its shelf life.
Factors
What determines the shelf life of flour? The safety of the product is influenced by many factors:
- type of cereal;
- weather;
- grain moisture;
- storage conditions.
The last factor includes the following range of indicators:
- environmental humidity;
- indoor air temperature;
- containers used to store the product;
- fineness of grinding;
- the presence of a ventilation system;
- the presence of strong smelling substances in the vicinity of flour.
With strict observance of storage conditions, flour may not lose its qualities for ten years.
Types of flour description
Let's dwell on this in more detail. What are the varieties of flour? Shelf life of food products is largely determined by their type. At home, for the preparation of various dishes and pastries, wheat flour of the highest grade is usually used. It has a high gluten content. Such a product is stored in packaging at room temperature for six months, and in the refrigerator for up to a year.
For the preparation of gluten-free dishes, buckwheat flour is an indispensable product. Working with her is easy enough. It has a pleasant nutty aroma and contains all the necessary nutrients.
2nd grade flour is great for making pies and yeast-free bread. It has a high starch content and low gluten concentration - only 8-10%. Such flour is bleached in a special way. Thanks to this, the dough mixes better from it and rises faster. This product helps the dough stay lush and not fall.
Whole grain wheat is used to produce whole grain flour. This product is characterized by a high content of nutrients and fiber. The level of gluten in it is not too high, so when cooking baked goods, regular baking flour is often added to it. This product is particularly demanding on storage conditions. At room temperature, whole grain flour is stored for only a few months. You can increase the shelf life of flour by placing its freezer.
Storage recommendations
What should you pay attention to first of all? Wheat or rye flour at home is usually stored in a package of paper or cloth. It is dried first. To do this, spread the flour in a thin layer on a sheet of clean paper. It is best to store cereals in a dry and clean room. Flour strongly absorbs odors, so it is better to choose a storage place where there are no extraneous odors. Sudden changes in temperature can cause fogging, which ultimately leads to spoilage of the product.
How should flour be stored? Storage conditions and shelf life are in direct relationship with each other. The stored flour must be systematically monitored. From time to time it should be checked for taste. At the beginning of self-heating, it is necessary to spread the flour in a thin layer on a sheet of paper and air dry. If the product is contaminated with insect pests, it must be sieved and poured into a clean container. The infected container must be thoroughly washed and dried.
How to protect cereals from pests?
What you need to know about this? The shelf life of wheat flour can be significantly extended using alternative methods of protection against pests. In southern China, unpeeled garlic is used for this purpose. It is enough to put 1-2 cloves in a bag with flour. Phytoncides released by garlic repel pests. You can also use the following storage method: a paper or cloth bag with flour is placed in a larger package lined with dry marigold flowers.
How to determine product quality?
For this, the organoleptic method is used. Dead flour will leave a bitter or sour taste on the tongue. In addition, the musty groats have an unpleasant specific odor. Tactilely, when you touch it, a feeling of cold. This indicates that the flour has high humidity. In this condition, it must be dried as soon as possible, otherwise it will deteriorate.
Requirements
How to store different types of flour? Shelf life of food products will be maximum if storage conditions are met. The safety of flour is influenced by factors such as humidity and temperature. At low humidity, flour can be stored for a long time. The best indicator is 60%.
The temperature in the room where the cereal will be located should not rise above 20 degrees. For long-term storage, a room with lower rates is more suitable - from 5 to 15 degrees. However, it should be borne in mind that flour does not like sudden changes in temperature. When the temperature changes, condensation forms. As a result, humidity increases significantly. This leads to pests and mold.
What is the storage period?
What you need to know about this? How many different types of flour are stored? The shelf life of food depends on its variety. Soy, wheat, corn and rye flour have different storage periods. For example, corn, rye and soybean flour deteriorate most quickly . These products disappear in 6 months. Wheat flour is able to maintain its properties a little longer - for 8 months. The deodorized soy flour is stored for the longest time - 12 months. The remaining species are able to maintain their properties throughout the year while maintaining a constant temperature of 0 degrees.
Choose cereal
When buying products for further storage, it is necessary to pay attention to such a parameter as the shelf life of flour. In addition, it should be carefully examined for clumps, black patches, and larvae. Unfortunately, flour is often sold in opaque packaging. The buyer does not have the opportunity to carefully inspect the product. In this case, be sure to check the packaging for integrity. Also pay attention to the date of issue and the shelf life of the flour.
Storage container
Which is better to choose? Equally important when storing flour is the container. It is best to use bags and plastic containers for this purpose that are hermetically sealed. You can also store the product in linen bags, paper bags and metal cans. Such containers do not block the access of air and moisture to the product. Of course, it is possible to use them, but with this storage method it should be possible to regularly monitor the condition of the product. Paper flour is best kept in the refrigerator.
Storage Features
What you need to know about this? When storing flour, it is necessary to take into account not only the requirements for humidity and air temperature, but also other factors affecting the safety of the product. For example, exposure to direct sunlight can adversely affect product performance. Therefore, flour is best stored in an opaque package or in a dark place, protected from the penetration of sunlight.
Since the cereal quickly absorbs odors, it is better to keep it away from any sources of strong aromas - household chemicals, tea, coffee and spices. It is best to set aside a separate box or shelf for storing flour. To protect it from the appearance of pests, you can use folk remedies. For example, bags used for storage, it is advisable to soak in a strong solution of salt. Bugs can also be scared away using chili peppers or bay leaves.
Housewife tips
Many people prefer to stock up flour for a long time. However, as a rule, packages of wheat flour of the highest grade usually indicate a shelf life of 6 months. Therefore, to purchase such a product for a long period does not make sense. Flour after the expiration date has not the best taste characteristics. To make high-quality home-made cakes from it is no longer possible. It is best to use a fabric or paper bag to store flour at home. Some people prefer to use plastic containers to store flour. This method is fundamentally wrong, because it is necessary to provide the product with access to fresh air. To prevent spilling of flour, you can put paper packaging in a plastic bag.
How long is the coarse flour stored? The shelf life according to GOST of this product is 8 months. However, over time, gustatory quality may deteriorate significantly. In addition, if stored improperly in coarse flour, pests usually start. To extend the shelf life, it is better to place it in a canvas bag. Also, the product should be kept as far away from water as possible. This will help prevent mold. Subject to all storage conditions, flour may lie longer than a year. However, when using, be sure to check the taste and smell of the product.
The best flour is considered to be one that matured within a month after grinding. It is she who has the best qualities for home use and the baking industry. Further, during storage, its properties may significantly deteriorate, even if the product has been carefully packaged.
Many housewives use this method of increasing shelf life of products, such as freezing. At temperatures from 0 degrees and below, flour can be stored for several years. Therefore, if you are going to replenish the home supplies of this product, the freezer will be the best place to keep it. Low temperatures also help in pest control. If you suspect that bugs and larvae are wound up in the croup, simply place it in the freezer for 48 hours. This will kill all the insects.
Whole grain flour is best stored in the refrigerator. This is due to the high content of natural oils in it. They can make the product rancid.
Conclusion
In this review, we examined how to properly store flour so that it retains its properties as long as possible. As packaging, paper or canvas bags are best suited. Do not keep the flour under direct sunlight, it must also be protected from moisture. It is also worth remembering that the storage period may vary depending on the type of flour. Confirmation of expiration dates can be found on the packaging.