Whole wheat flour will maintain best quality for about 6 to 8 months in the refrigerator. How long does whole wheat flour last in the freezer? Properly stored, whole wheat flour will maintain best quality for about 1 year, but will remain safe beyond that time.
The next thing we asked ourselves was should whole wheat flour be refrigerated?
Yes, to further extend the shelf life of whole wheat flour, refrigerate or freeze it; place the whole wheat flour inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Whole wheat flour will maintain best quality for about 6 to 8 months in the refrigerator. Accordingly, should you store flour in the refrigerator?
Is it safe to eat expired whole wheat flour?
Yes, provided it is properly stored and the package is undamaged – commercially packaged whole wheat flour will typically carry a ” Best By,” “Best if Used By,” “Best Before”, or “Best When Used By” date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer’s estimate of how long the whole wheat flour will remain at peak quality.
Can you store refined flour in the freezer?
Refined flours include all-purpose, white, bread, cake, and self-rising flour. Here’s the best way to store it: Place your flour in the freezer for 48 hours to kill any weevil or insect eggs that might be present. Transfer it to a food-grade container (plastic or glass) with a tight-sealing lid.
Freeze whole-grain flour for 48 hours before you transfer it to an airtight container, same as with refined flour. Then store it in the refrigerator for up to six months or in the freezer for up to a year. The higher levels of natural oils in whole-wheat and other specialty flours causes them to go rancid quickly at room temperature.
Another frequent inquiry is “Can you freeze flour?”.
For best results, place flour as far away from the freezer door as possible, to avoid incidental kitchen light and warmth. Expect a shelf life of up to six months for whole grain flour stored in the freezer.
What is the best way to store whole grain flour?
Store whole grain flour in the freezer or refrigerator, as far from the freezer/fridge door as possible. Un-milled whole grains (e. g, wheat berries, rye flakes, rolled oats) have a longer shelf life than whole grain flours. Store them either airtight at cool room temperature, or in the freezer or refrigerator.