Do you have a whole pack of chia seeds in the pantry and are wondering whether they have gone bad? Or do you have an opened package and are not sure how to store it so that it lasts longer?
Read on for all pertinent information about the shelf-life of chia seeds, the best way to store them, and how to tell whether they have gone bad.
The Best Way to Store Chia Seeds
Chia seeds may be securely kept in the pantry or kitchen cupboard when properly packaged and unopened. All that is necessary is that you maintain them away from any moisture or temperature changes brought on by direct sunshine or a heat source like an oven or heater.
It is preferable to store nutritious seeds in the kitchen where you can see them if you wish to include them in smoothies or your regular meal.
Once the chia seeds are opened, be careful to always close the bag again after usage. Pour them into a freezer bag, jar, or similar airtight container if they are not packaged in a resealable bag.
Making sure they are firmly sealed will aid in protecting the seeds from dampness. Any spoiling will be slowed down by this.
The same guidelines for storage apply to both chia flour and powdered chia seeds. Keep them properly sealed and at a constant ambient temperature in a dry, dark environment.
Desserts made with chia seeds, such as chia pudding, should be kept in the refrigerator.
What is the Shelf-Life of Chia Seeds?
Since chia seeds are rich in antioxidants, they will last longer than many other similar seeds, such as sesame seeds.
So, if you store the chia seeds properly, they can actually last for several years.
If you are worried about the best-by date on the package, then don’t. This is the manufacturer’s estimation for the time up to which the chia seeds will be at their peak quality. This date is not when they will go bad. But after it, the quality of the seeds will start deteriorating very gradually, and they can last for up to 2 years after the printed date.
The same goes for powdered chia seeds, which can last for months after the best-by date.
Chia pudding, though, will keep its quality for 5-7 days if stored in the fridge, unless it contains ingredients other than milk or water, which can go bad faster.
Overall, you can rest assured that unopened and properly stored opened chia seeds can last for up to 2 years after the best-by date.
Chia flour can last for up to a year following the expiration of the best-by date on the package.
Chia pudding without any added faster-spoiling products will last for 5-7 days in the fridge.
How to Detect Whether the Chia Seeds Have Gone Bad?
Chia seeds will last longer than sesame and other seeds, but only if they are always properly sealed and stored.
If even a small amount of water gets to them, the mold will start growing in just a couple of days. The same is true for chia flour too.
If you notice mold, you should throw the seeds, powder, or flour away. Don’t attempt to scoop up the moldy part and use the rest because any leftover mold spores can harm your health.
Another problem when storing chia seeds, flax seeds, and others is the pantry bugs. If you notice a pantry bug in the package, then immediately discard it. Make sure to check the other open products in the pantry or cabinet to check whether they are infested as well.
Since they are pretty oily, the chia seeds cannot go rancid. Still, if you smell an off or rancid aroma, then you better get rid of them, not because they will make you sick but because they will probably not taste great either.
If the chia seeds taste bitter, then they have gone bad. As mentioned above, eating rancid chia seeds will most likely not make you sick, but they may taste bad and may have lost their beneficial nutritional qualities.