How do you store flax seed

KarenAnnne

I buy whole flax seed and mill it as I use it. What is the best method of storing the seeds. I've been told to keep it in the freezer, then someone said refrigerator and I've read just in the cabinet is fine. Thoughts?

daffodilsoup

Whole flax seeds should be fine in the cabinet if you plan on using them soon. However, ground flax seeds or whole seeds you've had for awhile should be stored in the fridge to keep the oils in the seeds from spoiling.

exacerbe

If it's whole.. the cabinet is fine for given expiration date. If you mill the seeds for later use, the freezer is your best friend.

beckajw

I keep mine in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I think it depends on how quickly you intend to use them. I know because of the high fat content, they go rancid quickly (like nuts), but it doesn't happen overnight.

KarmaxKitty

I shuffled mine into sandwich bags and stored them in the fridge. I use them to make hair gel, so I don't know if the storage life makes a difference for eating or hair use...

KarenAnnne

Thanks for the replies. I generally use a few tablespoons a day so they do last awhile. How do you know if they have turned rancid and no longer fresh?

yarwell

fats smell and taste bad when they go rancid. Keep them dry (and in a sealed container when milled) and they'll be fine - they probably came out of a heap in a massive shed or grain silo.

GiGi_FIERCE

I keep them refrigerated.

I like:

http://www.bobsredmill.com/brown-flaxseeds.html

rcc1988

I keep my whole seeds in an airtight container in the cupboard, and then every Sunday I measure out a week's worth of seeds, mill them, and transport the powder to an airtight container in the fridge.

However if I were going to mill a huge amount all at once (enough that I couldn't use the powder up in a week's time) I'd store it in the freezer.