Here is all the info you need about exactly how to store chia seeds, flax seeds, and other types of fresh superfoods.
Superfoods, like chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and more, are becoming commonplace in kitchens across the world.
Now that we all know what they are and why we should eat them, it’s time to learn how to store them properly.
The BEST way to store flax and chia seeds—and all nuts and seeds—is in a glass mason jar in the refrigerator.
While keeping nuts and seeds at room temperature can be ok for a short period of time, the longer they sit, the higher chance there is that they can go bad. If you live in a mild climate this will be ok for a little while.
However, if you live in a warm and/or humid climate, then your nuts and seeds can spoil really quickly in a cupboard or pantry.
How to store chia seeds and flax seeds to ensure freshness
This is the best way to ensure they stay fresh and don’t go rancid. Keep reading to learn why!
It sounds simple, but storing your superfoods this way is super important. Here’s why:
1. Easy Access: You can see what you have and how much you have left.
Too many opaque containers get pushed to the back of the refrigerator, and you might not even know they’re there. Storing them in a see-through container means you’ll use more of them, more often.
Tip: use a label or masking tape to add the name and expiration date to the lid if there’s a chance you won’t use it by the expiration date or if you might forget what’s in the jar.
2. Extended shelf life: Nuts and seeds contain delicate oils, and those oils can quickly spoil.
Storing them in the refrigerator will extend their shelf life; this will save you money in the long run. Mason jars can also be sealed with a lid, which keeps the air out and helps prevent oxidation. Throwing away expired or rancid food is sad for everyone.
Note: If your superfoods came in a package on the shelf – flax and chia seeds often are – that’s perfectly fine. Some companies vacuum seal their packages to store them at room temperature to be shelf-stable. Just store it in the refrigerator after you open them.
3. Fewerdishes: Most of these superfoods are easy to pour out of the jar; fewerscoops and spoons mean fewerdishes.
Sprinkling your favorite superfoods onto salads and into the blender with your smoothie ingredients has never been easier. Use the lid as a guide if you have a heavy pouring hand.
4. Glass jars are inexpensive and can be found online or at a hardware store.
I’ve found them in packs of 12 for less than a dollar each. You can use any type of jar that has a lid you can seal.
Mason jars also make excellent drinking glasses and flower vases. You can store your green drinksin them, too.
5. Glass jars are reusable and last forever
Using glass jars to store your food is good for the environment.
Plus, glass is non-reactive, so you can feel good about storing chia seeds or flax seeds in them for long periods of time.
Tip: Mason jar companies now make BPA-free plastic lids that are cheap and are a little easier to open than the traditional metal canning lids. The metal canning lids can also rust after multiple uses, so these new white lids are awesome. I found them at my local hardware store for just a few dollars.
Here are a few of the superfoods that are always found in mason jars in my refrigerator:
- Raw almonds
- Raw hemp seeds
- Ground flaxseeds
- Raw sunflower seeds
- Cacao (raw cocoa powder)
- Chia seeds
- Dried goji berries
