How long can you keep flour?

@miamilady (4910)
United States
May 21, 2009 8:34pm CST
I have some flour stored in my fridge. I can't remember when I bought it. I don't bake often. How long do you keep flour before you throw it out?
4 people like this
11 responses
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
22 May 09
Do you still have the flour in its original container? If so, it should mention an expiration date--my bag of flour says good until Feb 23,2010--most flour will keep well for two years especially if its been in the fridge
1 person likes this
@miamilady (4910)
• United States
22 May 09
It's not in the original container. It's in a tupperware container in my fridge. I know it's more than a year old. I THINK it might be less than two...
1 person likes this
@sconibear (8016)
• United States
22 May 09
until it starts to move on it's own. actually, flour may be stored for 12-18 months in a cool, dry place in an air-tight container. it may also be refrigerated or frozen, which extends it's life slightly. so I would say if it hasn't been more than a year, you should be good to go.
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@miamilady (4910)
• United States
22 May 09
"until it starts to move on it's own" I'm afraid it might! I think it's been well over a year. I'm having a serious OCD moment. I don't want to throw it out, although I think I should. I'm friggin considering making homemade playdough with it?? My kids are 13 and 16! Maybe I'm the one that needs professional help!
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@Darkwing (21583)
28 May 09
I keep mine in airtight tupperware storage containers, and I bake quite a lot, so never find a need to throw it out. I'm not even sure what the life of flour is. lol. Doesn't it get damp in the fridge? Brightest Blessings.
@DavidReedy (2378)
• United States
5 Jun 09
You'd want to consult with some "pros" on this, but if stored properly, flour can last virtually forever.
@foodieme (100)
• India
22 May 09
I think, better not to keep the flour that has been stocked and untouched for a month and a half or so. It tend to harden, means, it may lose its free-flow and you will also find some small black insects moving around here and there, althought they aren't too hazardous for health. Do read these blogs, they have quite a bit of information on the safe ways to store food :) http://www.ifood.tv/blog/store_food_properly_it_saves_big http://www.ifood.tv/blog/safety_measures_of_food
1 person likes this
• Indonesia
22 May 09
I think if it's more than 3 months then you have to throw it out, because it's no longer good for health.
1 person likes this
• Canada
22 May 09
What would you say if I told you I had a bag of flour in my apartment for half a decade before opening it? LOL Mom bought me some stuff when I moved in here, and I dind't touch it until after I got married, and my husband was in the mood to bake something. LOL It was still good, but once we opened the thing we used it up pretty quickly.
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
22 May 09
I didn't know there was an expiry date on flour
@whyaskq (7523)
• Singapore
23 May 09
I would think as long as the flour remains white and has not changed color to a bit yellowish, it is safe for consumption. The other estimate is to look at the expiry date if there is. If not, check when is the manufacturing date. I would also throw the flour away if I see weevils hanging around.
@sid556 (30953)
• United States
22 May 09
I'm not sure. look at it . it gets mealy worms when it starts to go bad. I think that if it has been in your frig it is good for longer. I don't keep it long at all. 3 months tops and that depends on the storage.
• United States
25 May 09
If it is stored in your fridge, it should be fine for quite a while. Just make sure it is sealed up tight--I've heard that flour beetles can be quite a pain to get rid of!