Can Flaxseed Go Bad? / Does Ground Flaxseed Go Bad?: Flaxseeds are of 2 types i.e. ground flaxseed and whole flaxseed. There are a lot of noticeable differences between them. Here we are covering the required information about whether can ground flaxseed go bad, its storage, and its shelf life.
Flaxseeds have several health benefits, we can even add them while making muffins, baked goods, or smoothies, but they come in huge quantities.
So, everyone has to check the better flaxseed storage conditions, how long do flaxseed last, whether Is flaxseed good after expiration date, and fun facts about it.
- Do Flaxseed Go Bad?
- Signs Flaxseed Has Gone Bad
- How to Store Flaxseeds?
- How Long Does Flaxseeds Last?
- Surprising Facts About Flaxseeds
- Does ground flaxseed need to be refrigerated?
- What does rancid flaxseed smell like?
- What happens if you eat expired flaxseed?
- What are the side effects of taking flaxseed?
- Do flaxseed expire?
- Is expired flaxseed safe and can you eat expired flax seeds?
- What is the flaxseed expiry date?
Can Flaxseed Go Bad? | Do Flax Seeds Expire?
Yes, flaxseed can go bad but the actual shelf life depends on how it is processed and stored. The more processed flaxseed spoils sooner than others. Whole flaxseed lasts for a longer time, but it spoils. Ground flaxseed or flax meal can go rancid if not stored properly for a longer period.
The whole flaxseed lasts for 6 months after the best-by date on the package at room temperature, while ground flaxseed shelf life is 1 week after the expiration date. People who want to use the flaxseed that is stored for a long time can check the following signs of spoilage.
Signs Flaxseed Has Gone Bad
Flaxseed has delicate omega-3 fatty acids that can go rancid quickly. So, check how to tell if flaxseed is bad before confirming that it has gone bad. Firstly, try to notice any visual changes in the flaxseed pack when stored for a longer period. If you see any mold growth or other changes, then it has spoiled.
Fresh flaxseed should smell nutty and slightly toasty. If your seeds smell fishy, bad, or musty, then discard them. And check the flaxseed taste, if it is bitter, or has a dusty texture, then it is not safe to consume it. Flaxseed should be stored in a cold environment, an airtight container to stay fresh for more days.
How To Store Flaxseeds?
The best storage precautions are useful to extend the flaxseed shelf life easily. When you leave them at room temperature, they tend to spoil easily. So, the refrigerator will help to preserve both ground and whole flaxseed quality for about 1 to 2 months after the expiration date.
Storing the flaxseed in the freezer will extend its life span to 3 months. Make sure that the seeds are stored at a constant temperature. The temperature fluctuations can cause the flaxseeds to spoil more rapidly.
Whether ground or whole flaxseeds should be stored in an airtight container in a cool and dark environment. It should be placed away from heat, light, and moisture so that it will not go rancid quickly. A glass jar or sealable plastic containers are good choices.
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How Long Do Flaxseeds Last?
Ground flaxseed lasts for 3 to 4 months in the fridge, and a few weeks in the pantry based on the storing environment. While whole flaxseed lasts for 1 to 2 years in the pantry and every more year in the fridge. Ground flax meal lasts for 1 week in the pantry and 2 months in the refrigerator.
Each flaxseed bag comes with a best-by date printed on the label, that date is usually between 1 to 2 years after the packaging date. That date is the estimation of how long flaxseed maintains its quality fresh. So, when you notice the bag with a flax seed expiration date in the fridge, just check the spoilage and use it.
| Opened/Unopened | Pantry | Fridge/Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Flax Seeds | 6-12 Months | 1 Year |
| Flax Meal | 1 Week | 1 – 2 Months |
Surprising Facts About Flaxseeds
The interesting benefits of flaxseed are given here:
- Ground flaxseed is a rich source of lignans which are beneficial phytonutrients found mainly in seeds and grains.
- Flaxseed is high in nutrients.
- It is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.
- They also have high-quality soluble and insoluble fibers.
- Flaxseed can protect against cancer, help diabetics, and kidney diseases, lower cholesterol, and have many other benefits.
FAQs on Can Flaxseed Go Bad | Does Flax Seeds Expire?
1. Does ground flaxseed need to be refrigerated?
No, ground flaxseed doesn’t require refrigeration, but it goes bad easily when left at room temperature. Pour the flaxseeds into an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator.
2. What does rancid flaxseed smell like?
Bad flaxseed smells bitter and burnt odor.
3. What happens if you eat expired flaxseed?
Eating expired flaxseed can cause digestive discomfort and has an unpleasant taste.
4. What are the side effects of taking flaxseed?
The side effects of consuming flaxseeds are bloating, gas, stomachache, and nausea.
Yes, they do expire but can last months after the flaxseed expiration date.
6. Is expired flaxseed safe and can you eat expired flax seeds?
Yes, you can eat expired flaxseeds safely until a few months when stored in cool or dry places. When the refrigerated flax seeds shelf life is crossed then take the smell test before consuming.
7. What is the flaxseed expiry date?
As per the report of USDA’s Foodkeeper App, the store-bought whole flaxseed expiration date is between 1-2 years from the date of packaging. When it is stored in the fridge or freezer, it lasts for a longer life.
Verdict – Do flaxseeds go bad?
I hope that the info shared above about Can Flaxseed Go Bad is beneficial to you. In addition to this, you can even learn about flaxseed shelf life, spoilage signs, storage, and fun facts.
In case of any questions, you can reach us through the comment section. Stay in touch with our site for the latest food article details like Can Chia Seeds Go Bad, and so on.