How to Store Flour Properly
June 20, 2024
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You know what is really special? Flour. It’s the workhorse of our kitchens, standing idly by as we create meals ranging from simple pancakes to elaborate birthday cakes. Though, I must say that flour is quite a temperamental thing when it comes to storage. I realized this the hard way after a couple of times of reaching for my flour container only to discover that the flour had gone bad or even had bugs in it. Not to worry, though! I have since become somewhat of a connoisseur of flour storage and I am here to tell you all about it.
So before we dive deeper into the topic of storing flour, it is important that we first understand what we are dealing with. Flour is a powder made from grains, particularly wheat but one can also get rice flour, almond flour, chickpea flour and many others. These fine powders may look and feel quite robust, but they are actually very photophilic, i. e. sensitive to light, hygrophilic, i. e. sensitive to moisture, and aerophilic, i. e. sensitive to air. And I haven’t even mentioned pests yet. Flour is like a feast for insects, you can say it is like a five-star meal for them.
Step One: Select the Appropriate Container
The first thing that I discovered in my quest for the perfect flour storage was the need for a good container. The ones that flour comes in? The flimsy paper bags. It is not suitable for long-term storage. Here’s what you should look for instead:
Airtight Containers: These are your best friends. Containers that are airtight prevent moisture and insects from getting to the flour, which helps it stay fresh. You can use glass jars with lids that can be sealed tightly, plastic containers with lids that have locks, or even metal tins. Just make sure they seal well.
Opaque or Dark-Colored Containers: Flour should be stored in a cool, dark place as light can spoil the flour, so it is best to store it in an opaque container. If you only have clear containers, put them in a dark pantry without any problem.
I prefer using mason jars for my flour as they are easy to handle and store. It is such a pleasing sight to see those glass jars neatly arranged in the pantry, each containing a different type of flour. Also, it makes my kitchen have a warm and country feel to it.
Step Two: To avoid deterioration, keep it in a cool and dry place.
Flour is a bit like a cat—it prefers to stay in cool, dry, and dark places. My pantry is ideal for this, but any cupboard that is not exposed to high temperatures or moisture is suitable. Do not store flour in the kitchen, near the stove, dishwasher, or any place that is exposed to heat or moisture. Optimal temperature should not exceed 75°F (24°C), and humidity should be as low as possible.
Step Three: Freeze It for Longer Shelf Life
If you are like me and sometimes end up buying lots of flour when it is on sale, then freezing is a lifesaver. It is advisable to store flour in the freezer where it can last for up to two years without compromising its quality. Just ensure that you are using containers that are airtight and are safe to freeze. That is why I prefer to split my flour into one-pound portions and store them in zip-top freezer bags. Thus, I can simply take what I require without having to thaw the entire batch.
One tip: ensure that the flour is at room temperature before using it in your recipes. Cold flour can be a problem in baking, especially when using yeast in the dough.
Step Four: Cleanliness and Stock Rotation
After storing your flour, it is essential to maintain cleanliness. It is recommended to always use clean utensils to scoop the flour from the container and ensure that there is no wetness. I also make a habit of rotating my stock. This entails using the first flour to expire and placing new flour bought in the store at the back. This can be easily done if you label your containers with the date of purchase.
Step Five: Here is How to Tell When Food Has Gone Bad
Despite proper storage, flour can still become spoiled. Here’s what to look for:
Smell: New flour has a bland smell with a hint of nutty aroma. If it has a sour, musty, or off smell, it’s best to get rid of it.
Appearance: Look for signs of color changes or lumps. These can be signs of moisture or contamination.
Insects: Flour bugs or weevils are the bane of every baker. If you notice any small brown beetles in your flour, you should throw away the flour. Clean the storage area and inspect other dry foods for signs of infestation.
Step Six: Specialty flours need additional attention
If you are into gluten-free baking or if you like to try different flours, then you need to be more cautious. Whole grain flours, including whole wheat, rye, or cornmeal, are richest in natural oils and may become spoiled more quickly. These flours are best stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Nut flours, especially almond or coconut flour, are especially sensitive and should always be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
Tips and Tricks on Using Fun Flour
Now that we’ve covered the basics, here are a few extra tips to make your flour storage even better:
Use a Bay Leaf: Put a bay leaf in your flour container. Bay leaves are used to repel insects, and they do not alter the taste of the flour.
Repurpose Silica Packets: You know those tiny packets of silica gel that are often found in shoe boxes? Keep them and throw one into your flour container to eliminate moisture.
DIY Flour Sack: If you are in the mood for some DIY, you can create a flour sack using a cotton bag. The only thing you have to ensure is that the sack is well sealed to prevent the flour from going bad.
So, my friends, this is all you need to know about storing your flour and making it stay fresh and perfect. Storage may seem like a minor issue, but it can greatly impact your baking. Also, it is quite nice to take out a container of flour that has been well preserved and be sure that it will help you prepare something tasty.
The next time you are buying a bag of flour, don’t just throw it into your trolley and head to the next aisle. Get some good containers, locate a suitable area with low temperature and less humidity, and always check the expiration dates. Trust your future baking self. Well there you have it, go forth and bake something spectacular! And as always, if in doubt, freeze it out!