Flour is one of the most important food ingredients around the world, which is used in many dishes. To maintain the quality and nutritional properties of flour, its proper storage is very important. If the flour is not stored properly, microbes and bacteria may penetrate it and cause corruption and change in their quality.
Considering the importance of proper storage, it is very important to check the principles of storage of all types of flour. These principles include storage in a dry environment, away from sunlight, use of appropriate containers, compliance with expiration dates, regular inspections, etc. By observing these storage principles, you can ensure the quality, nutritional properties and taste of the flour and increase its shelf life.
Types of Flour
Flours are often classified based on the level of processing that is done on them during the production process. The amount of flour processing can affect its shelf life. The wheat that is used as a source of that flour affects the shelf life of flour. For example, white all-purpose flour or three-zero flour stays fresh longer than whole wheat flour due to the processing methods that are used on it .
Refined White Flour
Highly refined white flour refers to flour that has been separated from the bran and germ to prepare it, and only the starchy endosperm remains .
Wheat Flour
Whole wheat flour contains all three parts of the grain ( bran, germ and endosperm). Bran and germ are rich in oil, which makes products made from whole wheat vulnerable to spoilage. This happens when its fats are destroyed and decomposed due to exposure to light, moisture or air and usually cause an unpleasant taste and smell. Since gluten-free flours such as almond flour or coconut flour are rich in oil, they may be more prone to spoilage than white flour .
Gluten-free Flour
Gluten-free flour, which is usually prepared by combining several types of cereal flour, may be more vulnerable to fungi due to its high moisture content .
To Store All Types of Flour , You Can Follow These Principles :
Storage in a dry environment : Flours should be stored in a dry environment. Moisture can cause clumps of flour and change its quality. Therefore, it is better to store flour in closed containers in a dry environment .
Away from sunlight: Sunlight can reduce the quality of flour. Wholemeal flours are safer from the effects of sunlight in the long term. Therefore, you can store the flour in a darker place without direct contact with sunlight .
Using suitable packaging containers : You can use multi-layer containers to store flour. During storage, make sure that the lid of the container is tight and closed so that moisture and insects do not penetrate it .
Observe the expiration date : Use flours that are prepared in large boxes and consider the production date and expiration date on them .
Regular check : Check the flours regularly and exclude the flours that have signs of spoilage and burning such as bad smell, and color change .
Insects : To prevent insects and cockroaches, you can put dry mint leaves in the containers where you store flour. The scent of dry mint can keep insects away .
Storage in the refrigerator : For long-term storage of flours, you can put them in the refrigerator and keep them at a lower temperature for a certain and long time .
Using pods based on the product : Some flours are packed in special pods, which, in addition to maintaining quality, can make their storage easier .
By following these principles, you can store the flours well and enjoy their quality and long-term shelf life.