topic Re: Expired Flour in Kitchen

Expired Flour

demanda — Sat, 25 May 2019 14:18:23 GMT

I am not much of a cook or baker, but I just found a recipe I wanted to try. The flour I have is expired. Can I still use it? Thanks.

Re: Expired Flour

wagirl — Sat, 25 May 2019 14:23:17 GMT

when did it expire? If it is years old, I'd toss it but a few months--I'd be ok with it. I didn't realize flour has an expire date, I know the speciality ones do. And just a FYI, I put my flour in a sealed container and not let it sit in the paper package. That way no bugs can get into it either . Bugs would also be a toss away thing----

Re: Expired Flour

Kachina624 — Sat, 25 May 2019 14:51:27 GMT

I put a bay leaf in a container with my flour and have never had a bug in it. Somebody told me about that years ago.

Re: Expired Flour

dex — Sat, 25 May 2019 14:53:47 GMT

@demanda @If the flour is whole wheat I would toss it but if it is white flour then I would smell it to see if it smells old before I tossed it.

Re: Expired Flour

IMW — Sat, 25 May 2019 14:55:33 GMT

You always have such great 👍🏿 tips and ideas. Thanks.

@Kachina624 wrote:
I put a bay leaf in a container with my flour and have never had a bug in it. Somebody told me about that years ago.

Re: Expired Flour

Icegoddess — Sat, 25 May 2019 14:59:17 GMT

If it's self-rising flour, the leavening in it might not be any good anymore.

Re: Expired Flour

LindaSal — Sat, 25 May 2019 15:00:53 GMT

I wouldn't use it if it's expired by more than a couple weeks. I don't think bugs get into the flour, I believe parasites grow in it after long periods of time. I also keep mine in a storage container in the frig for freshness. Just like dried spices, some develop parasites so ALWAYS check your expiration dates, they are there for a reason!

Re: Expired Flour

CelticCrafter — Sat, 25 May 2019 15:11:21 GMT

I don't use a lot of sugars or flours. I dump the containers in December and buy fresh.

Re: Expired Flour

henderson — Sat, 25 May 2019 15:50:34 GMT

I always purchase King Arthur flour at WalMart and it does have an expiration date. I bake a lot of choc. chip cookies for my family and they come out so good.

Re: Expired Flour

demanda — Sat, 25 May 2019 16:02:39 GMT

Thanks everyone. The flour expired in October 2018. I guess I should probably toss it.

Re: Expired Flour

froggy — Sat, 25 May 2019 17:17:53 GMT

Flour can get stale or even rancid. I usually just smell mine - not that regular unbleached or all pupose flour lasts very long around my house. But I have prchased whole wheat or rye flours that don't get used regularly and have gone bad.

Re: Expired Flour

lovemybichonfrise — Sat, 25 May 2019 17:36:15 GMT

I always keep my baking flours and pancake mixes in my fridge or freezer in sealed Lock 'n Lock containers. Before L&L, I used Rubbermaid. I always try to use up flour before the expiration date or throw it out. Same with baking powder and baking soda.

Re: Expired Flour

ECBG — Sun, 26 May 2019 05:00:31 GMT

Self rise flour does expire and will no longer rise the item. The baking powder dies.

Re: Expired Flour

ScarletDove — Fri, 31 May 2019 01:52:31 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
I put a bay leaf in a container with my flour and have never had a bug in it. Somebody told me about that years ago.

@Kachina624 Never heard this so thank you for the tip, I will do just that! Just googled that info and here is Kachina624's tip...

"...bay leaves repel pantry insects...from beetles to weevils, moths, cockroaches, ants, and flies are said to hate the herb's fragrance. The leaves can be placed in containers of flour, rice, and other dry goods, or taped inside cupboards or shelves....."

Re: Expired Flour

ScarletDove — Sun, 26 May 2019 14:34:22 GMT

Since I use only KA flours and as a baker use specialty ones like rye, pumpernickle and potato flours, I keep in frig in L&L containers and/or sealed bags. I will now be adding a bay leaf per Kachina624's suggestion. I will also be doing the same with rice's et al in cabinets although they are in L&L.

Re: Expired Flour

BeccaLou — Mon, 27 May 2019 04:25:25 GMT

I was shocked that Aldi's has a recall on All-Purpose Flour. Just heard about it Saturday May 25, 2019. It just doesn't stop. Also a big bunch of Ground Beef. recalled at a bunch of stores. This week-end also.

Re: Expired Flour

DiAnne — Mon, 27 May 2019 16:46:26 GMT

I did not know flour expired either. I usually buy a 5 pound bake about once a year.