Most people have very little idea of how long fresh flour will keep! So, how long does flour last? the average person assumes that if they opened a bag or box of baking powder or baking soda, it would still work so they use it up as soon as possible.
Sadly, this is not always the case! If you look around online, you will find lots of tips and tricks for using up your bags of baking powder and baking soda before replacing them, but none are quite clear on how much time their information includes to function properly. Some say one source note’s whole shelf life is six months, while another says two years!
This can be tricky when prepping because even though you may only need a few grams at a time, there really isn’t any consistency in terms of how many grams each package contains.
How long does flour last?
Do you have a stash of flour that’s been sitting in your pantry for a while and you’re not sure if it’s still good to use? Here’s a guide to help you determine how long flour lasts and when it’s time to toss it out.
Flour is a staple ingredient in many baking recipes, but it doesn’t last forever. Depending on how you store it, flour can have a shelf life of anywhere from six months to one year.
If you keep your flour in a cool, dry place, like a pantry, it can last for six months. But if you store it in the refrigerator or freezer, it will last for up to one year.
To extend the shelf life of your flour, be sure to store it in an airtight container. This will protect it from moisture and pests.
If your flour has been stored properly and it’s past the six-month mark, it’s still probably okay to use. However, you may notice that it doesn’t rise as much as it used to or that it has a slightly different flavor. If you’re not sure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
When it comes to baking, freshness is key. So, if you can’t remember the last time you bought flour or you know it’s been sitting in your pantry for a while, it’s best to play it safe and get a new bag. That way, you can be sure your baked goods will turn out just the way you want them to.
First, it depends on the type of flour
Different types of wheat flour go through different processes to become finished products. Some are milled into powder form right away, while others must be mixed with water or milk first before being processed further.
The process of converting whole grain bread dough into baked goods like sandwiches, rolls, baguettes, and crackers is just as important as what kind of flour you use!
You’ll want to make sure your baking equipment is appropriate for the texture and flavor of the finished product. This could mean using a plastic bowl instead of glass so that you can see when the dough has been in long enough to develop flavor or using a warmer oven than normal because soft white bread needs slightly warm air to bake properly.
Some recipes call for very little liquid- this includes when making pancake batter, cookie dough, and drop cookies.
Secondly, it depends on how you store it
While some say that you can keep a bag of flour in your home for one year, this is not true. The average person does not have a food-storage facility that keeps their supply fresh for a year!
If you do, then great, but most people do not, so this theory is very difficult to follow. Even if you did, there are things that affect the life span of the flour such as oxygen, light, and high moisture content. All these factors decrease the stability of the flour, which means that the yeast or bacteria may begin to grow before use.
A general rule of thumb is to buy an empty sack of white wheat flour around March-May of every year.
Lastly, it depends on the expiration date
For baking, your dough will not rise or bake properly if the flour is past its use by time. Therefore, it is very important to check the best way to know how long your pre-packaged grocery store-sized bags of flour are good for.
Most manufacturers list a “Use By” Date or a “Best If Used By” This can be done by looking at the back of the packaging or through their website.
The “use by” dates are typically when the product should be used up, so never buy products with a lot of leftovers! The “best if used by” date is more helpful as it gives us an idea of when the grain may go bad.
Stone ground flour will last longer than all-purpose
While some say that you can “use it up and let it go” when investing in prepping supplies, this is not true for most foods such as flour. Due to their higher nutritional content, people tend to use more of them per batch or meal.
When shopping for your emergency food supply, look for stone ground whole wheat or white bread/rolls flour. These are much healthier alternatives to regular bleached white bread products. They may cost slightly more, but they will last considerably longer before needing to be replaced.
Also, store it in a sealed container
In fact, most recipes require only one cup of white flour! That is why it is important to always check your supplies and make sure you have enough for your next recipe!
Most prepping experts agree that one month’s supply should include at least three months of food for one person. This includes water, tea, dried fruits, pasta, rice, bread, etc.
This also means that if you run out of wheat berries or oats before then, you will need to either purchase more or use a lower-quality product when baking so they don’t go bad too quickly.
How to tell if flour has gone bad?
How can you tell if your flour has gone bad? Here are some signs to look for:
- The flour has a bad odor.
- The flour has changed color.
- The flour is lumpy or has clumps.
- The flour has bugs in it.
If you see any of these signs, it’s time to toss the flour and get a new one.
To make sure your flour lasts as long as possible, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. And don’t forget to label it with the date so you know when it was purchased.
Is it OK to use expired flour?
While expired flour may not be as fresh as it once was, it’s still perfectly safe to use – as long as it’s stored properly.
The main thing to keep in mind is that flour is a perishable product. That means that over time, it will start to spoil. However, as long as it’s stored in a cool, dry place, it will last for quite a while. The key is to make sure that it doesn’t get too old, as that’s when it will start to lose its flavor and quality.
So, if you’ve got a bag of flour that’s past its expiration date, don’t worry – it’s still perfectly safe to use. Just be sure to store it properly, and it will last for quite some time.