When cooking with flaxseed, only a little is needed to reap the many benefits of this superfood, and because of this, you may find that one bag of flaxseed lasts a long time. If you've recently begun adding flaxseed to your diet, you may wonder how long it will remain fresh or if it can spoil at all. While flaxseed will eventually spoil, you can ensure it reaches its shelf life by storing it properly. To learn more about flaxseed and how you can prevent it from prematurely expiring, continue reading. This article will explain how to tell if the flaxseed in your pantry has spoiled and how to store it so that it remains as fresh as possible.
What Is Flaxseed?
Flaxseed is a seed that is harvested from the blue-flowered perennial flax plant. In the U.S., the flax plant has been grown for centuries for its fibrous stalks. The stalks were harvested initially as material for clothing. Now, flax is more commonly known for its seeds. Flax seeds are a nutritious snack rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, iron and antioxidants. Their mild, nutty flavor combines well with all types of food—sweet, savory, salty and spicy. Flaxseed can be enjoyed whole or ground into a powder and added to baked goods, smoothies and soups.
Does Flaxseed Expire?
When purchasing flaxseed, you'll notice that all bags have a best by date. While some bags of flaxseed may remain safe to eat after that date, it's essential to check for spoilage before consuming. How long the flaxseed in your kitchen lasts will largely depend on if you store it properly. Where the flaxseed is stored and the type of flaxseed purchased are the most significant factors in determining how long it will last. However, because ground flaxseed undergoes a form of processing, the shelf life is slightly shorter.
How to Tell If Flaxseed Has Spoiled?
The quickest way to tell if your flaxseed has spoiled is to smell it. Spoiled flaxseed will emit an odor that is unpleasant and sour. If your flaxseed smells fine, but you still question its freshness, then it's time to perform a taste test. If the flaxseed you have is slightly bitter, you'll need to throw it out.
Causes of Spoiled Flaxseed
Improper storage is the most common cause of spoiled flaxseed, but it's not the only thing that causes it to go bad. Here are a few other reasons your flaxseed may spoil.
Time
While the flaxseeds shell protects it well from air and irritants, as time passes, flaxseed naturally spoils. Spoiled flaxseed can smell a few different ways. A sour smell is the most common sign of spoiled flaxseeds. However, spoiled flaxseeds can also smell chemical-like—think nail polish remover.
Bugs
Pantry bugs are another cause of spoiled flaxseed. Small bugs love munching on flaxseed and will try their hardest to find the bag at the back of your pantry. If you find any insects, bugs, or eggs in your flaxseed, it's time to discard it.
Mold
Water and contaminants can get inside if your flaxseed container isn't shut properly. And any moisture inside the container can prompt mold to begin growing. Once mold begins to develop, the flaxseed must be thrown out immediately.
How Long Does Flaxseed Last?
When stored properly—in an airtight storage container and away from sunlight—our whole flaxseed has a shelf life of two years. Ground flaxseed has a shelf life of one year. Each bag of flaxseed has a best by date printed on the packaging. This date is a rough estimate of how long the flaxseed will last, and checking for rancidity can help determine if the flaxseed you have on hand is still fresh.
Flaxseed Storage Methods
Now that you know how to tell if your flaxseed is spoiled let's discuss how you can keep it fresh for longer. When storing any type of opened flaxseed, the number one rule is to place it in an airtight container. Doing so will prevent air and other particles from reaching it. Once you've put it in an airtight container, the next decision you'll need to make is where to store it. Here are a couple of recommendations:
Pantry
If you plan on using the flaxseed in your kitchen quickly, then storing it in the pantry is a great option. Keeping flaxseed in the pantry ensures it is easily accessible and away from direct sunlight.
Refrigerator
To extend the shelf life of flaxseed, even more, refrigerate it. While the rigid hull will keep the seed fresh and protect it from the environment, flaxseed will spoil over time. Refrigeration is especially recommended when storing ground flaxseed, as it no longer has the hull to protect it.
Ground Flaxseed
We've talked a bit about ground flaxseed in this article. So let's look at it a bit closer. Ground flaxseed or flaxseed meal is a product in which whole flaxseeds are ground into a powder. Often ground flaxseed offers more benefits than whole flaxseeds since it's easier to digest and can be worked into several recipes.
Because ground flaxseed is processed, it spoils quicker than traditional flaxseeds. It's also more prone to growing mold if air gets inside of the container. So, when storing ground flaxseed, confirm that the container or packaging is sealed correctly. And, if you're uncertain about the freshness of your flax meal, check for signs of spoilage.
Though the best method to store ground flaxseed is in the refrigerator, when purchasing it, you should anticipate using it before the expiration date. When making ground flaxseed at home, eat it within a few weeks.
Ways to Enjoy Flaxseeds
Storing your flaxseeds properly is a vital step in keeping them fresh. Once you've mastered storing this super seed, it's time to use it in your recipes. Here are a few ways we enjoy using flaxseeds in our weekly meals.
Add Flaxseed to Your Smoothies
Flaxseeds are a simple way to boost your smoothie's nutritional level without changing the overall flavor or texture of the dish. Try making this Raspberry Oat Smoothie for a flax-powered smoothie that's nearly irresistible. It's loaded with wholesome ingredients like our Gluten Free Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats and Organic Golden Flaxseed Meal and naturally sweetened with raspberries, bananas and maple syrup.
Use Flaxseed to Replace Eggs
Eggs are found in virtually every baked good. And while they work well to help ingredients bind together and rise, they can cause problems for individuals with food allergies and dietary restrictions. If you're allergic to eggs or following a vegan diet, flaxseeds can help you easily create egg-free versions of your favorite treats. By using this Flaxseed Egg Replacer, you can ensure that your baking recipe turns out as intended and remains completely egg-free (note: flaxseed eggs can’t be used to replace eggs in things like scrambles or custard). Wondering what it takes to make a flaxseed egg? Just a bit of flaxseed and water!
Bake a Batch of Crackers
Crackers are a perfect treat to snack on between meals. And when made with wholesome ingredients, they can provide several health benefits. These delicious Salt and Pepper Flax Crackers are made with a base of Flaxseed Meal and flavored with ground black pepper and sea salt. They're easy to make for beginner bakers and only require four ingredients!
Make a Dessert Cookie
Dessert is always a good idea, and it's even better when the dessert you make is full of nutritious ingredients. So the next time you expect a guest, create a dessert that will leave everyone talking and make these Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies. The base of these cookies is made with Flaxseed Meal and Hazelnut Meal, and they're sweetened with a combination of coconut sugar, almond butter and applesauce. These cookies are ideal for individuals following a low carb diet and are vegan and gluten free!
Create a Plant Based Dinner
We love using flaxseed meal to make plant-based versions of our favorite foods, which is exactly what we did when making these Spinach Quinoa Bites. The perfect dish to pair with pasta or enjoy as an appetizer, these bites are made with a base of Organic Grain Quinoa, spinach and Golden Flaxseed Meal and seasoned with garlic and onion powder. Enjoy these bites with marinara sauce or as meatballs over pasta.
Fresh flaxseed has an endless amount of uses. Choose from one of the recipes above, or get creative and make a dish of your own. However you choose to use this super seed, we are confident it will be delicious. From the Bob's Red Mill Family to yours, happy cooking!
Do you enjoy cooking with flaxseed? We'd love to hear more about how you use this superfood. Share your favorite flaxseed recipes with us in the comments below!
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