Flaxseeds have been considered a “superfood” due to their impressive nutrition stats. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, flaxseeds and flaxseed meal (ground-up flax seeds) can be a healthy addition to any diet.
The best way to store flaxseed meal is in a tightly sealed container in the fridge or freezer. You can store unopened flaxseed meal at room temperature, but as soon as it’s opened it’s best to transfer it to the fridge or freezer.
We’ll talk all about flaxseed meal and the best way to store it in this article!
What is flaxseed meal?
Flaxseed meal is ground-up flaxseeds. It can also be called flaxseed flour or linseed meal, and it’s a common ingredient in baked goods. It can even be used as a vegan egg substitute!
One of the main benefits of flaxseed meal is its rich omega-3 content. Omega-3 fatty acids are a healthy type of fat known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Flaxseed meal is also rich in fiber and offers a nutty flavor when used in baked goods.
What is the best way to store flaxseed meal?
The best way to store flaxseed meal is in a sealed container in the fridge or freezer. It’s not recommended to store flaxseed meal at room temperature because it can cause the fats to go rancid quickly, which degrades its taste, quality, and nutritional properties.
Some types of flaxseed meal are stabilized to help it from going bad at room temperature, but this tends to be the case with flax supplements for animals, not humans!
Factors that influence flaxseed meal storage
Temperature
The biggest factor that influences flaxseed meal storage is temperature. When it’s not stored in the fridge after opening, flaxseed meal will go bad very quickly – as soon as a week!
When stored in the fridge or freezer, flaxseed meal should stay good for about six months or until its best-by date (whichever is sooner).
Container
The fats in flaxseed meal can oxidize (go rancid) quickly, especially if it’s exposed to oxygen. The best way to prevent this from happening prematurely is to store flaxseed meal in a tightly sealed container, whether it’s a ziplock bag with the air removed or a sealed glass or plastic container.
Temperature & humidity
High temperatures and humidity can increase the rate of the fats in flaxseed meal going bad. Avoid storing flaxseed meal anywhere but the fridge or freezer once you open it. If you live in a hot or humid environment, you might even consider storing sealed flaxseed meal in the fridge or freezer to be safe.
Signs that flaxseed meal has spoiled
Taste: Flaxseed meal has a pleasant nutty flavor. If it tastes sour, bitter, or bad in any way, it can be a sign that the fats have oxidized (gone rancid) and that it’s time to replace it with a fresh batch.
Appearance: Flaxseed meal is light golden brown in color and can have a slightly shiny appearance. If the color changes since you bought it, or if it develops clumps or signs of mold or mildew, it’s time to toss it.
Smell: Flaxseed meal has a pleasant, nutty aroma. If it smells bad, then it’s likely a sign that it’s going rancid.
FAQs:
After you open the flaxseed meal it should be stored in the fridge or freezer. Keeping an opened package of flaxseed meal at room temperature can cause it to go bad as soon as a week.
Flaxseed meal stores the best in the freezer long-term. Freezing flaxseed meal helps preserve the healthy omega-3 fats in it and reduces the risk of it spoiling before its use-by date. Be sure to store flaxseed meal in a tightly sealed container with as much air removed as possible.
Flaxseed meal goes rancid much more quickly than whole flax seeds because the fats are more exposed to oxygen when they’re ground up. To prevent it from going rancid, store flaxseed meal in the fridge or freezer once you open it.
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