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What type of flour has the longest shelf life?

White flour The bottom line White flour may last longest due to its lower fat content, while whole-wheat and gluten-free varieties spoil sooner. You can extend flour's shelf life by sealing it properly or refrigerating or freezing it.

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This article explains whether flour goes bad, reviews proper storage techniques, and explains the risks of eating expired flour.

Thus, you may wonder how long it’s safe to keep flour.

Many people keep flour in their pantry for long periods of time — even well past the expiration date. Although it traditionally comes from wheat, numerous types of flour are now available, including coconut, almond, and other gluten-free varieties. Flour is a pantry staple made by grinding grains or other foods into powder. Many factors influence flour’s shelf life, or the length of time it lasts before beginning to spoil. Most flours stay fresh 3–8 months at room temperature, usually long past their expiration date. However, the specific shelf life depends on the type of flour, its ingredients, and how you store it (1).

Types of flour

Flour is often categorized by its level of processing, which affects its shelf life. The source ingredient, such as wheat or arrowroot, also has an impact. For example, white all-purpose flour generally stays fresh longer than whole-wheat flour due to the ways in which each is processed. White flour is highly refined, meaning that the grain is stripped of the bran and germ, leaving only the starchy endosperm. Conversely, whole-wheat flour contains all three parts of the grain — the bran, germ, and endosperm. The bran and germ are rich in oils, making whole-wheat products more vulnerable to spoilage. This occurs when fats deteriorate upon exposure to light, moisture, or air, typically causing an undesirable taste and odor ( 2 , 3 ). Because gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour are often high in oil, they may also be more prone to rancidity than white flour.

Storage methods

What’s more, the shelf life of flour depends on how you store it. According to the United States Department of Agricultural (USDA), flour is considered shelf-stable. This means that it can be safely stored at room temperature (5). Yet, it should be kept in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place to preserve its freshness. Refrigerating or freezing it may further increase its shelf life (6). For example, all-purpose flour lasts 6–8 months on the shelf but up to 1 year if refrigerated and 2 years if frozen (7). If you put your flour in the fridge, be sure to keep it away from moisture and water to prevent mold. This is best done by sealing it in an airtight container, such as a plastic bag or food bin (8). Keep in mind that you should let refrigerated or frozen flour reach room temperature before using it. This will prevent lumping.

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Can you drink rain water?

Germs and other contaminants are found in rainwater. While useful for many things, rainwater is not as pure as you might think, so you cannot assume it is safe to drink.

Collecting and using rainwater can be a great way to conserve resources. Some people use rainwater for watering plants, cleaning, bathing, or drinking. However, it is important that the rainwater system is maintained properly and the water quality is appropriate for the intended use.

Germs and other contaminants are found in rainwater.

While useful for many things, rainwater is not as pure as you might think, so you cannot assume it is safe to drink. Rain can wash different types of contaminants into the water you collect (for example, bird poop on your roof could end up in your water barrel or tank). Rainwater can carry bacteria, parasites, viruses, and chemicals that could make you sick, and it has been linked to disease outbreaks. The risk of getting sick from rainwater may be different depending on your location, how frequently it rains, the season, and how you collect and store the rainwater. Dust, smoke, and particles from the air can contaminate rainwater before it lands on your roof. Roofing materials, gutters, piping, and storage materials can introduce harmful substances such as asbestos, lead, and copper into the water. Dirt and germs can be washed into collected rainwater from the roof, especially when rain follows several days of dry weather.

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