Quinoa has become the favorite food of many thanks to its multiple benefits, but consuming it in bad conditions can be harmful, which is why it is essential to know about its storage. Therefore, today you are going to learn how to store quinoa.
You can keep raw quinoa at room temperature for up to 3 years. If cooked, you can store it in the fridge for 4 to 5 days or freeze it for 8 to 12 months. Another option is to buy quinoa flour or make it at home.
Now you know the methods you can use to preserve quinoa, and I invite you to continue reading to discover how to carry out each one correctly.
Store raw quinoa at room temperature
Quinoa can only be stored at room temperature when raw, so it can last for an extended period without losing its texture or flavor. Follow these steps to keep quinoa properly.
- Step 1. Keep dry.
Always keep the raw quinoa dry, as moisture can cause mold.
- Step 2. Place in an airtight container.
Protect the quinoa in an airtight container to prevent contact with insects or too much oxygen.
- Step 3. Choose a cool place.
Store the container in a dry, cool, dark place, away from high temperatures or the sun’s direct rays.
Properly stored raw quinoa has a shelf life of 2 to 3 years after its production date. [1]
Store cooked quinoa in the fridge
Once cooked, the quinoa should not remain at room temperature for more than 2 hours or will no longer be safe for consumption. If you have prepared other quinoa, you can keep it in the fridge by following these instructions.
- Step 1. Let cool.
Before storing the quinoa in the fridge, you should let it cool completely, which can take up to 20 minutes, depending on the room temperature.
- Step 2. Store in an airtight container.
Place quinoa in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors and tastes from the refrigerator.
- Step 3. Store in the fridge.
Store the quinoa in the fridge. This way, you will preserve the cooked quinoa for between 4 to 5 days. After that, it is not recommended to consume.
How to freeze quinoa
Can quinoa be frozen? Of course, but you can only freeze the quinoa once it is cooked. So, if you like to have quinoa ready to eat at any time or have too much, you can apply this method. Follow these steps to freeze quinoa.
- Step 1. Let cool.
Once you have the cooked quinoa, let cool for 20 minutes.
- Step 2. Divide into portions.
When preparing large amounts of quinoa, it is best to separate the portions you will use later because temperature changes can cause quinoa to be damaged ahead of schedule.
- Step 3. Place in an airtight container.
Place separate portions in airtight containers or sturdy zippered bags.
- Step 4. Set the storage date
I recommend that you label them with the date to keep better control.
- Step 5. Store in the freezer.
Frozen quinoa can last between 8 to 12 months, but I recommend consuming before this time, as it will lose its quality.
How to make quinoa flour
Consuming quinoa flour brings excellent benefits to your body, and it is another form of storage. It has a high fiber and protein content and a low glycemic index. So how can I prepare quinoa flour at home? You have to follow the steps below.
- Step 1. Wash the quinoa.
The first thing we must do is in a container wash the quinoa and, with the help of a strainer, remove the water. You must repeat this step until the water comes out transparent
- Step 2. Let dry.
After draining the quinoa one last time, you must let it dry on a clean step overnight.
- Step 3. Grind quinoa.
Use a blender until it is completely ground. If you have a high-speed blender, it is even better. You can also use a grinder if you have one at home.
Now you have the flour ready. If you want to know how to store it, keep reading.
Preserve quinoa flour
Another way to consume quinoa is as flour in different preparations. Quinoa flour is gluten-free and contains all the essential amino acids your body needs. Here are some steps you need to take to keep it properly.
- Step 1. Transfer to a container.
Place the flour in a container, preferably made of glass, but you can also store it in a plastic one without any problem.
- Step 2. Keep the bottle appropriately sealed.
Be sure to cover the bottle well to prevent insects from entering or grabbing odors from the environment.
- Step 3. Avoid wetting.
Keep quinoa flour dry to prevent it from damaging or forming lumps.
- Step 4. Store in the fridge.
Although you can keep quinoa flour at room temperature, putting it in the fridge is recommended.
You can keep quinoa flour for six months in the fridge or up to 1 year in the freezer.
How to know if quinoa is bad?
Although eating quinoa can have many benefits for humans, it can also be very toxic if consumed in poor conditions, so you should know how to identify when quinoa is damaged.
Today I will tell you some signs that you have to take into account.
- When quinoa is unprepared, the only clear indication of being damaged is mold growth, which can also appear after cooking if you do not store it properly.
- Before cooking quinoa, you can check if there are any changes in its smell.
- When preparing quinoa, it gives off a rancid odor, and you should discard it.
- Once cooked, you can check its texture. It is no longer safe to eat if it is rough and hard.
How long does quinoa last?
Does quinoa expire? Yes, like any other food, this can lose its quality over time. In the following table, I answer you in a summarized way how long quinoa lasts.
| Product | Duration time |
| Raw quinoa at room temperature | 2 to 3 years |
| Cooked quinoa in the fridge | 4 to 5 days |
| Cooked quinoa in the freezer | 8 to 12 months |
| Quinoa flour | 6 to 12 months |
What is the best way to preserve quinoa?
When preserving quinoa, the best option is to store it raw at room temperature since it maintains its texture and flavor until you prepare and will remain in perfect condition for much longer.
People who prefer to have it ready to eat at any time can choose to cook a small amount and store it in the fridge for a few days or prepare large quantities for several months, keeping the quinoa cooked in the freezer.
I hope the post has been helpful to you. If you liked it, I invite you to review my site, where you will find various information regarding food preservation.
[1] http://psjd.icm.edu.pl/psjd/element/bwmeta1.element.psjd-e765ee65-4f8c-413f-9b30-e02c2b6c9172