Flax Seed Storage.

[cincywbbw]

I was reading on the benifits of ground flax seed and came across how to store it, and I became quite confused. It said it should either be froze or kept in the fridge, and it goes rancid after a couple weeks.
The confusion came in because when I bought the 2 boxes of brown ground flax seed or milled as it says on the box, it was stored on a grocery shelf.

My question is, how do you store your flax seed?

[dream]

Re: Flax Seed Storage.

I keep mine in the fridge because I heard the same thing... that it spoils quickly after it's opened.

[cincywbbw]

Re: Flax Seed Storage.

how long does it last stored in the fridge?

[dream]

Re: Flax Seed Storage.

I've had mine probably 8 months now and it's still fine.

[cincywbbw]

Re: Flax Seed Storage.

Ohh wow, I was under the impression even refridgerated it wouldnt last more than a couple weeks.

[Lyssie]

Re: Flax Seed Storage.

I had mine in a cabinet for ummm.. really really a long time and it was fine...

[dream]

Re: Flax Seed Storage.

I just found this... guess mine should be replaced soon! It's fine though, I'm sure it will last a long time.

What is the shelf life of flax seed?
Whole flax seed can be stored in a cool dry place for up to a year. Some people store theirs in the refrigerator or freezer. Once the hull of the seed has been broken or ground, then it should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer and the shelf life is reduced to about 4 months.

[cincywbbw]

Re: Flax Seed Storage.

Good info...thanks!!

[Lyssie]

Re: Flax Seed Storage.

Umm.. I still say mine lasted really a lot more than 4 months and didn't taste funny, didn't lose any of it's properties as far as the reason I was using it, etc... but I guess I should buy the small bag of it next time.

[dream]

Re: Flax Seed Storage.

Me too, Lyssie. Mine is at least 8 months old and it's fine too. I do have it in the fridge though. I think they just want us to buy it more often... LOL !

[Lyssie]

Re: Flax Seed Storage.

Those darn flax farmers!!

[gonnabskinny]

Re: Flax Seed Storage.

"Those darn Flax farmers."

Yes, they are a rather SEEDY bunch! LOL

[sadie147]

Re: Flax Seed Storage.

If your flax goes rancid, you will know! I accidntly forgot to clean out my coffee grinder once after grinding flax seeds, next time i went to use it it had rancid flax in it. It smelled almost exactly like paint thinner. blech!


I think whether or not it goes rancid quickly when left out depends on the temp of the room/cupboard it was left in. It was summertime when this happened to me and i think the heat didn't help. Any oil will go rancid after so long i believe.

[sallyseachange]

Re: Flax Seed Storage.

I think that if you keep the whole seeds, they can be stored out of the fridge. Once you've ground them up though you should keep them in the fridge.