How to store flour to prevent bugs from infesting it

Flour is an essential product available in every home, since it is often used in cooking. Most housewives prefer to purchase the product in stock, because it is so convenient to always have it on hand and not have to go to the store. With large stocks and improper storage, the product may deteriorate. Experienced housewives will tell you how to store flour at home to prevent bugs.

How to tell if there are bugs in flour

Sometimes, when pouring flour or opening a package, small black insects - bugs - are visible on the surface. They start at high humidity in old flour or come from other, already spoiled cereals. The bugs are small, so it’s not easy to see them, but if you look carefully, you can still see them. You should be alerted if the bag suddenly breaks and holes appear in the bag. A spoiled product will have the following symptoms:

• unpleasant aftertaste, giving off sourness or bitterness;
• moldy or musty smell;
• feeling of cold. When flour absorbs moisture from the air, it becomes cold to the touch.

The listed factors create the most favorable conditions for life and reproduction for bugs.

Never buy a product with a low price, it may be of poor quality. When processing grain, the manufacturer may not have removed insect larvae, so the entire batch may be contaminated with flour beetles or food moths.

What is the best way to store flour at home?

The method of storing flour at home depends on its quantity, because if you buy a large volume, it is impossible to put it entirely in the cupboard. The most convenient and practical containers that ensure complete safety of the product are:

• paper bags made of thick cardboard or paper treated with special moisture-proof reagents. When purchasing 1 or 2 kg of bulk product, leave it stored in its original packaging;
• plastic containers with lockable lids. Plastic does not react with the product and will reliably protect it from bugs and moisture in the air. Containers come in different sizes, so to store large quantities, buy several containers of the required capacity;
• glass container with a lockable lid. Durable glass jars are great for storing both small supplies and large quantities. Be sure to close the container with a lid after pouring so that bugs do not get into the jar;

• plastic bottles. If you have a large amount of flour that will not fit in a liter jar, take a plastic water bottle. Make sure the bottle is well dried and there should be no moisture on the walls or bottom. Pour the flour into a bottle; for convenience, use a funnel so that it does not spill;
• canvas bags. This storage method is suitable for large volumes of flour. Tie the top of the bag with ropes to prevent moisture from entering;
• plastic buckets. Pour the flour into a bucket and cover with a lid. Place a ladle next to the bucket so that you can collect the required amount as needed.

The most reliable way to protect against bugs is in sealed containers: these can be plastic containers with rubber seals and tight lids, or glass jars. But metal storage containers are used less often because they do not provide proper tightness and let air in.

For better preservation, store the flour without removing it from the original packaging. Simply insert the product pouch into a plastic container and store it that way.

What is the best way to store flour?

In the warehouse, products are contained in large bags or already packaged in small containers. At home, the best option for saving is a paper bag or bag (bag) made of natural fabric (cotton, linen). They are suitable for long-term storage, since the flour in such materials will not suffocate.

Saving in glass jars with lids or metal boxes is also allowed. This method is more useful for a short period of time, otherwise a musty smell will appear.

If you store bulk products correctly and for a long time, you still need to ventilate them: spread them in a thin layer on paper in the fresh air for several hours.

Where is the best place to store flour?

The room should not be humid. Feel free to leave a small volume of up to 10 kg under the following conditions:

• temperature +20-24 degrees;
• humidity less than 65%.

A large volume can be stored for a long time without problems under the following parameters:

• temperature +8-12 degrees;
• humidity less than 60%.

Before storing the product, make sure that there are no sudden temperature changes in the room. When the temperature changes, the taste deteriorates, bitterness and sourness appear. Flour should not be exposed to direct sunlight, it will heat it up. To avoid troubles and preserve flour, for safekeeping, choose premises from the list below:

• kitchen cabinet, pencil case, drawer;
• mezzanine;
• pantry.

Place the large bag behind the sofa or chair, but be careful: there should be no heating radiators nearby. If you decide to put a small bag in the kitchen cabinet, remove the spices and herbs from there. Flour absorbs odors perfectly and quickly absorbs the aroma of seasonings.

What's the best way to store flour at home to prevent bugs from getting in?

Flour will not spoil if you do not violate the storage rules. During industrial production, it is kept in special rooms with a certain level of humidity and temperature. There are also a number of rules for apartments.

What to use to store the product

Flour is mainly supplied to the retail chain in packaged form - in special paper bags weighing 1-2 kg, bags weighing 3 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg. After opening it, you don’t have to pour flour out of a kilogram bag, since it doesn’t take up much space; you can put it in a container.

But most housewives, for ease of use, prefer to pour flour from any package into a container.

Convenient container:

1. For a small volume, any container with a tight-fitting lid is suitable, for example, a container, bucket, food-grade plastic jar, glass jar. If the jar is not kept in a closet, then the glass should be dark, otherwise the contents will begin to oxidize.
2. Larger volumes are kept in an enamel or metal container (tank, pan with a lid), in a plastic box intended for food products, in a tight bag made of air-permeable material.

Reference! The container material should not smell - the flour will absorb the smell. You can keep it in a cellophane package for no more than a week, since cellophane does not breathe.

Where can you store flour in your apartment?

In a small kitchen, as a rule, they keep a small amount of flour, and large containers and bags are placed in the pantry, utility room, on an insulated balcony, loggia, mezzanine. After purchase, it is advisable to keep a small bag (1-2 kg) in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf or in the freezer for two days, so that the flour can be stored better in the future.

Condition requirements:

• temperature in the apartment - 18-20 °C, in the utility room, on the insulated balcony - as in the apartment or 0 °C - +5 °C;
• the optimal humidity level is 60% (in a damp room the product quickly deteriorates and becomes moldy);
• There should be no products or substances with a smell nearby - flour will absorb any aroma;
• if there are old stocks nearby that have pests in them, then there is a high probability that they will appear in fresh products;
• All ground substances are poorly stored in the light, so they are put away in a closet or kept in a container impenetrable to sunlight.

Shelf life of different types of flour

With proper storage, the product can last up to six months or even a little more. The duration is affected by the original raw materials used in production. Table 1 provides detailed information on the shelf life of flour from various raw materials.

Table 1 Shelf life depending on type

The shelf life is determined from the date of production, and not from the date of purchase. When you are in the store, always buy the product with the latest production date, and then it will last longer than the rest.

Flour storage

You can preserve it at home only if you take into account all its properties. The main parameters on which the storage duration depends are temperature and humidity . It is also equally important to decide on the place where the product will be kept.

Flour is a product of grinding cereal crops. The most common is wheat flour. The taste of the wheat product remains virtually unchanged throughout the entire storage period. At the same time, flour from flax, almonds and corn can change them beyond recognition. Flaxseed and almond add an original taste and aroma to baked goods. It is recommended to store these types in the refrigerator, after placing them in an airtight container.

How to determine if a product has become unusable

A high-quality product that has been properly stored should be dry, crumbly, odorless, mold-free and bug-free.

• The unpleasant odor is most likely due to the appearance of bread fungus. Such a product is considered unsuitable for further use.
• A product that has been in a damp place has a sour or bitter taste.
• Cold flour indicates that it has become saturated with moisture, but it can still be saved. Dry it on clean paper for at least six hours, and then put it in a dried and clean container.

Preventative methods to prevent bugs from getting into flour

If you want the product to be stored for as long as possible and preserve its taste, take note of several ways to protect against bugs and moisture penetration:

• If you are thinking of pouring the product into canvas or fabric bags, pre-treat the fabric with a saline solution. To do this, dissolve 3 tablespoons of salt in a liter of water and immerse the fabric in the solution for several minutes. Then dry the bag in the sun. This treatment will repel not only bugs, but also moths;
• put a couple of cloves of garlic, 1-2 pieces are enough for 1 kg of flour. It contains a natural fungicide, so insects will definitely not be afraid;
• dried calendula flowers. Make an envelope from a piece of fabric and then fill it with dried calendula flowers. Place an envelope in a bag of flour. The subtle smell emanating from the flowers will repel insects;
• ordinary bay leaves do an excellent job of protecting against pests, so place a few bay leaves on top of the flour;
• mint or mint chewing gum will prevent bugs if you place it in a storage area;
• dried cloves. Place a few cloves on the shelf and you can be sure of the complete safety of not only the flour, but also all the cereals stored on the shelves in the kitchen cabinet.

In addition to the above, wipe the area where the bag or container is located at least once a week with a damp cloth soaked in a vinegar solution. Dilute a tablespoon of vinegar in a liter of water, wet a cloth and wipe the surface. Wait until the surface is dry and put the containers and bags back together.

Laundry soap is an excellent pest control agent, so lather a foam sponge with soap and wash all cabinets intended for storing cereals.

Containers for storing flour and cereals

Many housewives, after purchasing bulk products in a store, do not pour them into special containers, but leave them in their original packaging. This significantly reduces the storage time due to the lack of tightness.

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After some time, paper or plastic packaging becomes unusable, cereals become damp, crumble, or become infested with harmful insects. For convenience and safety of products, it is recommended to use special containers:

• ceramic containers;
• plastic cans;
• glass containers;
• metal containers or stainless steel.

Hardware stores sell containers for every taste, color and budget. Many people choose storage containers based primarily on aesthetic preferences, taking into account the design of the kitchen. However, in order for bulk products to retain their taste and benefits for a long time, in addition to appearance, it is important to take into account other criteria.

Ceramic containers

Ceramic containers are considered the best containers for storing cereals. They are airtight, practical, and pleasing to the eye with an attractive design. This container is suitable if you prefer to store food on open shelves.

Ceramic jars do not allow sunlight to pass through, making them ideal for open storage. And their beautiful design gives the kitchen a special touch.

Plastic containers

Plastic containers are lightweight, practical and convenient. When using them, the load on the cabinet will be minimal. To optimize shelf space, choose a square or rectangular container.

When choosing a plastic container, pay attention to the quality of the material. Low-quality plastic has an unpleasant foreign odor, which will certainly affect the taste of the products.

Metal cans are beautiful and durable, but have one major drawback - over time, they develop rust stains. Similar stainless steel products do not have this drawback, but they are also more expensive than other containers.

Glass jars

Glass containers are convenient and beautiful, have a variety of designs, and you can clearly see what cereals are stored and in what condition they are. Transparent glass jars are airtight and easy to clean.

The only drawback is that they break easily. Bulk products in glass containers are stored in a dark place without access to direct sunlight.

What to do if the bugs are already in the flour

If you did not preserve the product properly, or simply did not know how to do it correctly, then there is a high probability that bugs will appear in it. When you find insects, you need to act immediately, because the flour can still be preserved:

• pour the flour onto a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 100 degrees for an hour, high temperature kills pests;
• throw away old bags, they may be contaminated;
• Prepare airtight containers with tight lids. Wash it with soap or soda solution, then dry it well;
• other cereals that were stored with contaminated flour may be carriers. Examine them carefully and put them in the cold so that the grain freezes for a couple of days. Place the cereal in the refrigerator or take it out onto the balcony;
• Rinse all shelves, drawers, and doors thoroughly with vinegar water and wait until completely dry.

You can safely use processed flour in cooking; it is safe for health and quite suitable for food. From now on, always keep the product under the right conditions, then your baked goods will always turn out delicious, and the flour will last a long time while maintaining all its qualities.

Larisa

Hello! My name is Lara. I am a housewife and I love being one. Don’t think that my responsibilities are only kitchen, washing, ironing and cleaning. I organize my time in a much more interesting way. One of my passions is this site for women. On it I publish topics that interest not only me, but also those around me.

Prevention: 6 rules of defense

The best remedy for bugs is prevention. By following six rules, you can protect your supplies from voracious pests.

1. Use the “correct” storage containers. To prevent bugs from infesting cereals, you need to store cereals in tightly sealed glass jars or plastic containers.
2. Process purchased products. Before storing cereals after purchase, they should be heated for 15 minutes in a preheated oven. This applies even to those bulk products that are packaged in vacuum bags. Another option is to put the cereal in the freezer for several days. These methods will help destroy the bugs in the cereal and prevent them from spreading throughout the house.
3. Place garlic cloves or bay leaves in containers with cereals. A bay leaf or two or three garlic cloves in each jar of bulk products will help protect cereals from bugs. Fragrant “repellents” can also be placed on the shelves of kitchen cabinets.
4. Store nuts and dried fruits in the refrigerator. Often, along with these products, especially those purchased in bulk, pests “arrive” in the house, so it is worth placing healthy goodies in the refrigerator.
5. Don't turn your kitchen into a warehouse. A modern housewife can buy everything she needs at any time: there is no shortage of cereals in the near future. The fewer products are stored in cabinets, the less likely they are to become “infested” with insects, and the easier it is to get rid of pests if parasites do show up. Ideally, cereals should not be stored for more than two to four months.
6. Maintain cleanliness. Regularly clean kitchen cabinets and cereal storage containers with a solution of 9% vinegar at least once or twice a month. If pests appear in the kitchen again and again, you should seek help from specialized organizations.

When thinking about how to remove bugs from cereals, you need to remember that eating foods that once contained insects is dangerous to health: eggs and larvae of pests can simply not be noticed. It is best to get rid of such stocks.

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