Almond flour is made from ground almonds and has a light, sweet flavor. It’s a popular ingredient in baking because it’s gluten-free and high in protein, fiber, and other nutrients.
However, what about its shelf life? Does almond flour go bad? The answer is yes. Almond flour goes bad after some time and you need to store it properly if you want it to last longer.
This article will tell you how long this nut flour lasts, how to know if it’s bad, how to store it properly, and much more.
What Is Almond Flour?
Almond flour is made from ground almonds and has a light, sweet flavor that’s milder than other nut flours. The flour is gluten-free and high in protein, making it an excellent addition to recipes that need a boost of nutrition.
Almond flour is also low in carbohydrates, making it good for those following a keto diet or other low-carbohydrate diets. You can use it as a substitute for wheat flour in many recipes, such as bread, pancakes, and cookies.
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Does Almond Flour Go Bad?
Yes, it does. Almond flour is made from ground almonds, which means that it is high in oil, and this oil will turn rancid over time.
If you won’t be able to use up your nut flour within a few months, store it in an airtight container and then put it in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent spoilage.
You should also stop buying it in bulk to avoid having large amounts of unused flour lying around on your pantry shelves.
What Is the Shelf Life Of Almond Flour?
The shelf life of almond flour depends on whether or not you open it and how you store it.
Unopened
Unopened almond flour has a shelf life of about 2-4 months past its best-by date at room temperature. It will keep for about 6-12 months past its best-by date in the refrigerator, and about 1-2 years past its best-by date in the freezer.
Opened
Opened almond flour will last until its best-by date when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To increase its shelf life, put it in the refrigerator where it will last for 3-6 months or in the freezer where it will last for 6-12 months.
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Can Expired Almond Flour Make You Sick?
The answer is yes. Expired almond flour can make you sick because it usually contains high levels of aflatoxins- a family of toxins that occurs naturally in spoiled foods.
The FDA has found that aflatoxins can cause liver damage and even death if consumed regularly by people with weakened immune systems or those who have chronic liver disease.
Your expired nut flour can also get contaminated with bacteria over time, consequently causing illness when you or someone else consumes it.
How to Tell if Almond Flour Is Bad
Check its expiration date
The easiest way to determine if your flour is bad is by checking its expiration date. The longer the product has been sitting on your shelf past its expiration date, the more likely it is to have gone bad.
Smell it
If your nut flour smells like almonds, then it’s good to go. But if the flour smells sour, rancid, or off in any way, throw it out immediately. This indicates that bacteria have grown inside the container and begun producing hydrogen sulfide gas, which smells like rotten eggs.
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Look at the color of the flour
It should be a light brown color, not a dark brown or greenish color. If your nut flour is dark brown or greenish, toss it out immediately.
Look for mold
Mold can grow on top of your flour if you don’t keep it properly. If you notice any mold growth on your flour, throw it away immediately and wash your hands to prevent food poisoning.
Do a taste test
If you taste your flour and find that it tastes bitter or unpleasant (unlike almonds), then toss it out immediately. This means that there are microorganisms present in the product that is spoiling its flavor profile.
How to Preserve Almond Flour
Keep it away from heat sources
You should avoid exposing your nut flour to heat at all costs. Heat speeds up the oxidation process which can cause rancidity and spoilage over time.
Instead, place the flour in an airtight container and store it in a cool dry place until you’re ready to use it again. This helps prevent mold and bacteria from growing in the flour over time.
Refrigerate
Another great way to preserve your flour is to put it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to use an airtight container before storing it in the fridge. This will help keep out any moisture or bacteria that could damage your nut flour over time.
Freeze
You can freeze your flour safely if you use an airtight, freezer-safe container. Just be sure to keep it away from other items with strong odors that may contaminate it. To use the frozen flour again, just thaw it in a refrigerator or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can you use almond flour in place of wheat flour?
Yes, you can. Almond flour is a wonderful alternative to wheat flour. It’s high in protein and low in carbohydrates, which makes it a great option for anyone following a low-carb or gluten-free diet.
You can use it in place of wheat flour in many recipes, including pancakes, muffins, and brownies.
Where can you buy almond flour?
You can buy almond flour at most grocery stores or health food stores (it’s often located in the baking aisle). You can also purchase it online through Amazon, or other retailers that offer low prices and free shipping.
Can you freeze almond flour?
Yes, you can. Almond flour can be stored in the freezer for a long time without losing any of its flavor or texture. If you choose to freeze this flour, make sure that you always thaw it before using it in recipes.
What can you use instead of almond flour?
Coconut flour. Coconut flour is obtained from the coconut meat after pressing out the oil from it. It is also gluten-free and ranks high on the health scale by being low in calories.
However, don’t use it as an exact replacement. Coconut flour absorbs more moisture, so you’ll need to add more liquid to your recipe (usually water or oil).
Conclusion
Almond flour does go bad, but it takes quite a while. Almond flour has a shelf life of about 2 months to 2 years, depending on storage conditions.
To make your flour last as long as possible, keep it away from heat sources like ovens or stoves. In addition, be sure to put it in an airtight container to keep out moisture, bacteria, and other contaminants.
Thanks for reading.
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