Quinoa is a commonly used food ingredient in our quinoa product series. There is a persistent question “Le quinoa peut-il expirer?”
It has become a popular food choice for many. Since it’s something we eat regularly, knowing its shelf life and how to store it properly is important. Let’s look at the shelf life of quinoa from both production and home storage perspectives.
How does quinoa spoil?
Quinoa is a common grain, rich in nutrients like protein, calcium, potassium, phosphore, et fibres alimentaires. Freshly packed quinoa usually lasts 18-24 mois. As long as it’s sealed and used within the shelf life, it’s safe to eat.
Cependant, if stored improperly or beyond its expiration date, it can start to spoil in two ways:
- Nutrients may be lost, but it won’t harm your health.
- Harmful substances may form, or bugs may infest it.
Foods often spoil because of their moisture content. Our quinoa has a moisture content of about 12%, which is below China’s national standard of 13%. As long as it’s stored correctly, it won’t spoil easily. Cependant, if exposed to air for too long, bugs might lay eggs in the quinoa, contaminating it.
How to tell if quinoa is spoiled?
You can usually tell if quinoa has gone bad by using your senses:
- Look: Pour some quinoa out and check if the grains stick together. If they do, it’s likely infested with bugs. If you see mold, throw it away immediately. Moldy quinoa is unsafe to eat.
- Odeur: Quinoa has a distinct scent, but if it smells moldy or off, it’s likely spoiled. You can compare the smell with fresh quinoa. If it has an unpleasant odor, don’t eat it.
- Goût: If you can’t tell by looking or smelling, cook the quinoa and taste a small amount. If it tastes off, avoid eating it.
What happens when quinoa spoils?
If quinoa has expired or was stored improperly, nutrient loss isn’t a big issue. Cependant, harmful substances, like aflatoxins, can form when it spoils. Aflatoxins are toxic and carcinogenic. If your quinoa is only 1-2 months past its expiration date and was sealed, it should still be safe to eat. But if you notice mold or a bad smell, don’t eat it, regardless of the expiration date.
Quinoa doesn’t spoil quickly, but its nutrients can degrade over time. If your quinoa has been stored for a long time, it’s best to buy fresh quinoa.
How do producers store quinoa?
As producers, we store unprocessed quinoa in 25 kg grain bags in temperature- and humidity-controlled warehouses. These warehouses are designed to keep out insects and rodents. By storing quinoa at low temperatures and with moisture control, it can be preserved for over a year. When processing is needed, we take the quinoa out of storage.
What’s the best packaging for quinoa?
From years of experience, the ideal way to package quinoa is in 500g vacuum-sealed bags. For bulk sales, we process and deliver quinoa to customers as quickly as possible.
How should you store quinoa at home?
Storing quinoa at home is easy. If possible, use a sealed glass container and keep it in the refrigerator. If space is limited, a sealed plastic bag will also work. Conservez-le au frais, endroit sec.