Bakeries and producers of baked food products know that proper storage of ingredients is crucial. As flour typically comes packaged in bags and does not require refrigeration, storage of flour can sometimes be overlooked. Though storing flour is not difficult, there are a few things you should consider when looking into how to store bulk flour. In this post, we provide helpful insight into keeping your bulk flour in optimal condition while in storage.
If flour is one of the most used ingredients in your processes, you may go through it so fast that storage is an afterthought. Though it is true that flour can be stored in its original packaging before use, you’ll need to have a plan to protect it from exposure to moisture and pests. Below are our top tips for bulk flour storage to ensure that your ingredients are up to your expectations when you use them.
Store In a Cool and Dry Environment – it is important for flour to be stored in a cool and dry environment between 10°C to 20°C (50°F–68°F) to prevent spoilage. Storage temperatures should be consistent, as significant temperature fluctuations can lead to condensation.
Use Food Grade Containers – though flour can be stored in its original packaging before opening, and in short-term situations, flour should be transferred to a food-grade container after opening.
Clearly Label Products – when flour has been transferred to a food-grade container, it is crucial that it be labelled clearly. The label should indicate the type of produce, its expiration date, and the date it was first opened.
Utilize a First-In, First Out System – all flour products should be stored in a way so that using the oldest product first is intuitive. Use a first-in, first-out system to ensure that whatever ingredient was purchased first is used first.
For most producers of baked products, long-term flour storage is not a consideration. However, there may be times when storing a flour ingredient for a longer period of time is needed. To store flour for longer periods of time, it should be transferred to an airtight container. Our bulk flour storage tips will apply to long-term flour storage. Keep in mind that even when stored properly, flour doesn’t last forever. Pay attention to expiry dates when storing flour, and keep in mind that whole wheat flour and other sprouted grain and seed products may have a shorter shelf life than conventional white flour.
