Whole-wheat flour has a shorter shelf life than all-purpose flour, but that can be extended by freezing it. This type of flour only keeps for three or four months in a pantry or cabinet. If you do not use your whole-wheat flour this quickly, a few tips and techniques will help you freeze it so it stays fresh for much longer.
Whole-Wheat Flour
Whole-wheat flour differs from traditional all-purpose flour because it is ground from the entire wheat berry. Whole-wheat flour contains the wheat germ and the wheat bran, which makes it higher in fiber than all-purpose flour. This type of flour has a coarser texture but can replace regular flour in many recipes to help boost the fiber content. If you store your whole-wheat flour in the original packaging, expect it to last only a few months, after which it will begin to turn rancid.
Packaging
When you freeze whole-wheat flour, wrap it correctly to ensure that it stays fresh for as long as possible. Do not freeze whole-wheat flour in the original bag. Most flour bags are porous, which allows the odors and tastes of other foods in the freezer to leach into your flour. If you have not opened the package of whole-wheat flour, wrap the entire bag tightly in plastic wrap or put it into an airtight freezer bag. If you have already opened the flour, transfer it to an airtight storage container or freezer bag before freezing.
Freezing Suggestions
When whole-wheat flour is properly wrapped, it will keep for up to a year in your freezer. If you have limited freezer space, open your bag of whole-wheat flour and separate it into smaller containers or bags. If you use a freezer bag, press all of the air out of the bag before sealing it. Removing the air will help the bag take up less space but will also ensure that your whole-wheat flour stays fresh for up to a year.
Tips
Write the date on each container or bag of whole-wheat flour before you put it in the freezer. If a year has passed, toss the flour and replace it with a fresh package. When you measure out a portion of the flour from a container or bag, immediately return what you do not need to the freezer. Measure the flour into the individual portions that you need to make your favorite bread, muffins or dessert recipes to help make baking simpler and easier.
References
- Biggest Book of Bread Machine Recipes; Better Homes & Gardens
- Recipe Tips: Flour Storage Guide
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