Storing Gluten Free Flours
Gluten-free flours are an investment, and if you love baking or cooking from scratch, preserving their shelf life is key. Proper storage can help maintain the freshness, taste, and texture of your flours. Here’s how to do it right:
Keep Them Away from Light and Moisture
Direct sunlight and humid air are enemies of gluten-free flours. Store them in dark, dry areas like cabinets instead of transparent glass containers where light can penetrate and degrade the flour.
Refrigerate High-Fat Flours
Once opened, flours with high fat content, like nut flours, flaxseed, amaranth flour, brown rice flour, and millet, are prone to rancidity. To maintain their quality and prevent spoilage, refrigerate these flours. This is especially important if you live in warm, humid climates like Singapore, where refrigeration is recommended for all types of flour.
Protect Against Air Exposure
Simply folding down the flour bag and securing it with a clothespin is not enough. To avoid air exposure:
Transfer flours to airtight plastic containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
If you prefer using the original packaging, double-bag them with food-grade plastic storage bags and seal tightly.
These tips also apply to gluten-free grains, such as quinoa, teff, and amaranth, which require the same level of protection to preserve their freshness.
Label Your Jars and Containers
If you transfer flour into a jar, cut out the original label and tape it to the container or place it inside. Always keep important details, like the expiration date, easily accessible.
Avoid Moisture When Opening Cold Containers
When removing flours from the refrigerator, let them come to room temperature before opening the container. This helps prevent condensation, which can introduce moisture into the flour and reduce its shelf life.
Always Check for Freshness
Even under ideal storage conditions, flours can eventually go bad. Perform a quick smell test before using—if it smells off, it’s time to toss it.
With proper storage, your gluten-free flours and grains will stay fresh longer, ensuring you get the most out of your investment while enjoying consistent results in your baking and cooking.
