Rules and best ways to store flour at home
Even if the hostess does not bake, there is always a certain amount of flour in her arsenal. There is no guarantee that after a while it will not become damp, foreign odors or even insects will appear. This can happen despite the long shelf life indicated on the packaging. To avoid such a nuisance, you need to know how to properly store different varieties of flour, learn how to choose containers for it and clearly follow all the rules.
Features of storing flour at home
To maintain flour quality, you must:
- Maintain the temperature within the required range.
- Regulate the humidity in the apartment.
- Respect the shelf life of the product.
- Regularly check the quality (smell, insects).
How to choose the right container
After buying flour in a store, it must be poured into a paper bag, since moisture and air can get into it. The choice of container depends on the place and conditions of detention.
Glass jar
The method of preservation in a glass jar under a plastic lid is one of the most popular. The product feels good in such a container, because the glass does not let moisture, odors and air through. It is vulnerable to sunlight, so store a glass jar in a dark cabinet.
A plastic container
A special square plastic container with a tight-fitting lid is convenient to use. A pleasant bonus can be the presence of a dispenser that allows you to measure the required amount of flour without opening the entire container.
Metal containers
Tin containers can be used if the room maintains a constant ideal microclimate. When the temperature changes, condensation forms on the metal, which increases the moisture content of the flour and leads to the appearance of mold. Metal is not the best storage material. Choosing it, it is worth stopping at enameled products.
Suitable bags
A cloth bag is used as a container if it is tight. A bag is put on top for a guarantee. Dry the bag periodically.
Shelf life and storage characteristics of different varieties
Flour of different types differs in its composition. Several factors affect how long it is stored:
- quality and degree of grinding;
- pack;
- chemical composition;
- temperature and humidity;
- presence of foreign odors;
- ventilation.
1 year
Under certain conditions, some varieties can be stored for up to a year.
wheat premium
The shelf life of premium flour is approximately 12 months. A temperature of 5 to 15 , a humidity of about 70% and the absence of foreign odors are optimal conditions for storage. After purchase, it must be poured into a suitable container.
bird cherry
Flour with chocolate and cherry flavor is made from the berries of the bird cherry. It gives the confectionery a sweet and sour taste. When stored in a tightly closed glass jar under room conditions, the beneficial properties do not change throughout the year. Later, the quality decreases, a purely bitter taste appears.
Coconut
Coconut flour is high in fiber, gluten free. If the purchased product has a uniform light color, crumbly consistency without lumps, then its quality is high. When stored in a dry, dark and cool place in a tightly closed container, its properties are retained for one year.
10 months
Even in ideal outdoor conditions, there are varieties and species that do not keep for more than 8-10 months.
Peas
When buying flour, pay attention to its color and texture. It should be light, without lumps or dots. The pea does not like moisture and bright light. It is stored at a temperature of 25 ⁰С and 70% humidity in fabric bags.
Linen
To avoid oxidation at high temperature, flax meal can be stored in the refrigerator at +4-10°C. To do this, it is necessary to place the vacuum packaging with the product on its upper shelf or in the doorway.
Storage in a basement or cellar with appropriate temperature and lack of high humidity is acceptable.
half a year
Most varieties are stored for up to six months.
Premium wheat
This flour is obtained as a result of grinding soft wheat, contains less starch and more protein than premium quality.Store it in an airtight container at room conditions or in the refrigerator.
Rye
Rye flour is packaged in cloth bags, glass or plastic containers, where it is stored at normal room temperature and moderate humidity (up to 70%).
Crepe
The crepe differs from the ordinary wheat crepe in its composition. In addition to the main ingredient, it includes egg powder, sugar, baking powder, powdered milk and salt. It is stored for no more than six months.
After purchase, they are placed in a dry, dark place in a hermetically sealed container at a temperature of 25°C and a humidity of 70%.
Buckwheat
Buckwheat flour is produced in two types - dark and light. Their chemical composition is the same, the popularity of the second is higher due to its more aesthetic appearance. The product can be stored in the refrigerator or in a dry place, in a closed container under the same conditions as for a pancake.
groats
It is obtained by grinding oat grains, which are precooked, dried, fried and cleaned. The storage room should be well ventilated, the temperature should not exceed +20 ⁰С, humidity - up to 75%. Paper packaging is chosen as “breathable”.
Pumpkin
The flour is valued for its medicinal properties. Used for baking, breading. Store it at moderate humidity (60%) in its original packaging. The temperature should be between +5 and +15 ⁰С.
Rice
Fine flour is considered high quality, homogeneous in consistency, without lumps and odor. The rice is stored in a sealed glass container. Ambient temperature - 5-15 ⁰С, humidity - 60%.
Barley
A delicate porridge is made from barley flour. Delicious bread is obtained by mixing it with wheat and rye.It is recommended to store the product in tin cans or glass boxes at temperatures up to +18 and moderate humidity - 60%.
2-3 months
Housewives should know that some types of flour, due to their chemical composition, have a short shelf life (no more than 3 months).
whole wheat wheat
The shelf life of such flour is limited, as it contains all the parts of the grain that contain oils. They can oxidize and go rancid. The conditions of detention are the same as for the premium class.
But
Finely ground corn can be eaten for up to 3 months. It is recommended to keep the flour in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container. Cloth or glass containers are preferable to plastic containers. Storage conditions: temperature - 5-15 ⁰С, humidity - 60%.
Almond
Almond flour is a source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects body cells against free radicals. It is stored under normal room conditions, in a dry and dark place, in a glass container.
Optimal storage conditions
The shelf life of the product is considerably increased if the storage is perfectly organized. This requires maintaining a number of criteria within certain limits.
Temperature
The taste, quality, shelf life of flour depends on the air temperature in the places of its storage. It is necessary to keep the indicator in the range from 5 to 20 , to avoid its falls.
Humidity
The optimum air humidity is 60-70%. A higher level leads to moisture in the product, the formation of mold, mildew and spoilage.
Lighting
Direct sunlight has a negative effect on flour quality. The place where the product is identified should be darkened most of the day.You can wrap a transparent container with the product in foil to prevent the penetration of ultraviolet rays.
Foreign smells
Flour is one of the products that can absorb odors from the air. To avoid this, the accompanying container must be tightly closed and located away from any odorous products, household chemicals.
old supplies
Old supplies that have been stored for a long time and in violation of the rules can become a source of flour bugs. Before placing a new bag next to them, review and remove any insect-affected produce.
Recommendations for choosing a location
It is necessary to store flour in dry conditions, where there are no temperature fluctuations and the optimal parameters are observed. For this purpose, pantries, built-in pencil cases or shelves in kitchen cabinets, mezzanines are most suitable.
Pantry
A cool pantry, out of direct sunlight, is ideal for storing flour. The product is placed on the shelves in canvas bags, in glass jars.
Do not place near washing powders, detergents.
fridge shelf
Storage on a refrigerator shelf increases the shelf life of flour. It is poured into glass or plastic containers, tightly closed with lids. The disadvantage is the impossibility of placing a large number of containers in the refrigerator.
Balcony or loggia
In winter, during frosts, flour can be stored in containers on the loggia or balcony. The option is not considered the most successful, since with such storage there are significant temperature drops, there is no access to air, and the product “does not breathe”.
kitchen pencil case
In small kitchens, where there is still not enough space, it is convenient to arrange containers with flour in cash cabinets. Product packaging can be folded compactly. Thanks to the flat lids of the containers, they are stacked on top of each other and significantly save space.
Lower kitchen cabinet shelves
On the lower shelves of kitchen cabinets, the temperature is slightly lower than on the upper floors. This is especially noticeable when the cabinet is located next to the hob. Therefore, the lower shelves are more suitable for bulk products.
Prevention measures against pests and mold
To avoid contamination of flour by insects and molds, preventive measures are necessary:
- periodic inspection of bulk products;
- clean the shelves with vinegar;
- treat containers with boiling water if insects are bred;
- ventilate the kitchen to reduce humidity.
Common Mistakes
Every hostess should remember:
- You should not buy an item that has expired, even if it is sold at a very favorable price.
- A plastic bag is an unsuccessful container for a product.
- If it is impossible to ensure the right conditions, you should not buy flour in large quantities.
Additional tips and tricks
In order to preserve the beneficial properties of flour as long as possible, it is necessary to acquire high-quality flour and monitor its condition. It should be dry, crumbly, free from foreign odors. Moisture can be dried. The best neighbors for her are not cereals, but salt and granulated sugar, where insects do not start.
When these recommendations are followed, the flour always remains clean, and the pastries made from it are tasty and aromatic.