Below are several flour storage methods.
Best long term storage for flour.
Move your flour to a freezer or refrigerator when you don t have an air conditioning storage room especially in summer season.
This is done whether the items are for long term storage or not.
Put flour in an airtight vapor proof container to prevent the absorption of odors.
I will be using this flour fairly soon i m planning a bread making challenge but this quick tip holds true for long term food storage too.
Store in a cool dry dark location off the floor and away from materials with strong odors like soap chemicals or onions.
Whole grain flours like barley wheat quinoa millet and oat flour have a shelf life of a few months.
We like this oxo pop 4 3 quart container.
If you decide to use this method for long term storage start from now to see if you can make viable oxygen absorbents from iron filings scavenged from steel wool and then see how long the flour will last when compared to other storage methods.
If you want to store flour long term over 3 months then the best method is mylar bags with oxygen absorbers.
Best ways to store flour.
As long as your flour tastes and smells good there s no need to worry it s still usable.
For long term storage i vacuum seal grains in glass jars and 5 gal buckets.
All long term containers for flour should be stored at between 40 and 70 degrees for optimal shelf life and nutrition.
Nut and alternative flours spoil even faster than whole grain flours because they contain a lot of oil.
Pitch the paper sack the original paper sacks that many brands use to package flour may seem durable enough for storage but they re not the best vessel for keeping flour fresh especially after you ve opened it.
You can leave your flour in its original bag but for long term storage it s best to move it to an air tight container that can protect against smells flour will absorb odors and liquids from the freezer walls.
Place whole grain nut and alternative flours in the freezer for long term storage.
Label the container with the ingredients and the date purchased.
Every time i buy grains such as flour rice cereals pancake mix etc they go into the freezer for 2 or 3 days.
Flour will last 20 30 years in food grade buckets if kept at the proper temperatures.
This kills any insects already in the package and i dont have to inspect for bugs.
The square sides make storing in your freezer easier and the large size is big enough for.
Flour will keep for about 6 to 8 months when stored this way.
Just add a packet to your flour bucket store in a cool dry place.