How to properly store buckwheat at home and what is the maximum shelf life

Buckwheat porridge, beloved by many since childhood, is not only tasty, but also healthy. Buckwheat is an important product in the diet of adherents of proper nutrition. Buckwheat is rich in fiber, phospholipids and amino acids, as well as vitamins and minerals, including iron, phosphorus, boron, cobalt, zinc, calcium, copper, potassium, vitamins B, C, PP, E.

How and in what is the best way to store buckwheat at home so that it does not deteriorate and lose its qualities and properties, you will learn from this article.

Buckwheat storage conditions

To buckwheat stored for a long time and does not deteriorate, a number of conditions must be met. The main attention is paid to the humidity and temperature in the room. With high humidity, fungal formations may appear in the cereal or small insects may develop.

Observe the following rules when storing buckwheat:

1. Humidity should not exceed 60%, and air temperature +15°C.
2. Immediately after purchase, transfer the cereal into a glass or plastic container, which is tightly closed to prevent air from entering it. Stores sell special jars for storing cereals. Before placing buckwheat in them, wash and dry the containers.
3. If you bought too much cereal and you can't consume it in a short time, then dry it in the oven before storing it.
4. The place where the cereal is stored should be dry and warm.
5. Buckwheat has the property of absorbing odors, so place it away from foods that have a strong aroma.
6. Place a clove of garlic, bay leaf or lemon zest in a container with buckwheat. This will protect the cereal from pests.
7. You cannot store buckwheat in the polyethylene bags in which it is sold, since in them the grain becomes damp and quickly deteriorates.
8. Store boiled buckwheat in the refrigerator only in a container with a lid at temperatures up to +4°C.

In a closed package, the shelf life of buckwheat is approximately 1.5 years. Buckwheat retains its beneficial properties if stored:

• in closed sealed packaging;
• in a dry and dark room;
• at appropriate humidity and temperature.

The expiration date of the cereal is indicated on the packaging. You will also find the packaging date of the product on it. If the date is printed on a label that is affixed to the package, you should be wary - it may turn out that it has been changed.

Once the package of buckwheat is opened, the shelf life is sharply reduced. Store cerealskernel no more than 4 months subject to all storage rules. The period for completion is even shorter - 2-3 months.

Important! Do not forget to periodically check the condition of the cereal during storage. Cook with it once a month porridge, checking the possibility of further use.

Storage of loose cereals

One of the most reliable options for storing loose buckwheat is in a canvas bag. It is boiled in a salty solution in advance and then dried. The fabric prevents the cereal from suffocating, and the salt prevents the appearance of insects and mold. The material does not protect cereals from the pungent odors of other products.

How to store boiled buckwheat

Boiled buckwheat can be stored on the stove for no more than a day.To extend its shelf life, the porridge is placed in the refrigerator, taken out to the balcony or frozen.

The duration of storage depends on the method in which the buckwheat was prepared:

• buckwheat, which is boiled in water without additives, can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week;
• buckwheat, to which butter was added during cooking, lasts no more than 3 days;
• Milk buckwheat porridge should be eaten immediately after preparation - its shelf life is only one day;
• Buckwheat boiled in water in the freezer can last for several weeks, but its nutritional value will suffer.

Cooking tricks:

1. In order to preserve all the beneficial properties of porridge when cooking, do not expose it to prolonged heat, cook over low heat.
2. Do not cook buckwheat with milk. It is better to cook regular buckwheat porridge, and then add milk to it. This way you will increase the shelf life of the porridge and preserve its beneficial properties.
3. Do not add sugar or honey to buckwheat. This will reduce its usefulness.

Storing green buckwheat

Green buckwheat - a well-known product from the diet of adherents of proper nutrition. It is not subjected to heat treatment, unlike ordinary buckwheat, and therefore the rules for its storage are strict:

• the storage place should be dry and cool;
• You need to store cereals in a dark place, since in the light the taste of the product is lost;
• It is best to store such buckwheat in linen bags, as they are ventilated.

Green buckwheat can be stored for no more than 2 months after opening the package.

How to tell if buckwheat has gone bad

If the shelf life of buckwheat porridge has expired, you may notice:

• unpleasant sour smell and taste;
• mucus at the bottom of the porridge container;
• mold on the product.

You will know that dry cereal has gone bad if:

• it was covered with a white coating;
• a musty smell appeared;
• there is a bitter taste;
• insects appeared in the cereal;
• the grains form lumps.

These signs show that such cereals cannot be used for cooking.

On a note. A simple way to check is if you heat a spoonful of crushed missing cereal in a water bath, an unpleasant odor will appear.

Is it possible to freeze buckwheat?

If you need to preserve buckwheat for a long time, it is placed in the freezer. To do this, it is laid out in small containers. This way the porridge can be stored for several weeks. You should freeze porridge only in cases where you know for sure that you will not eat it in the near future - due to freezing, it loses its beneficial properties.

Milk porridge can be kept in the freezer for up to 4 months, and cooked in water for up to 6 months at a temperature of –18°C.

Some housewives prefer to store buckwheat on the balcony in winter. It’s better not to use this method, and here’s why:

• cereals are exposed to sudden temperature changes;
• outdoor humidity fluctuates;
• sunlight has a negative effect on cereals.

Useful tips

Experienced housewives share their recommendations for choosing and storing this product:

1. You can store buckwheat for a long time only if the grain is of high quality. It should not contain pebbles, husks, insects, grains should be approximately equal in size. Buy buckwheat in transparent packages - it’s easier to assess the quality of the product
2. Keep cereals out of direct sunlight.
3. A small bag of salt will help protect the cereal from excess moisture.
4. Heat-treat the cereal before placing it in a storage container.8-10 minutes in the pan will be enough. It is important that buckwheat is not overcooked, otherwise it will lose all its beneficial qualities.

To ensure that cooked buckwheat is crumbly, follow the following algorithm:

1. Place the cereal in a saucepan, pour water into it so that it slightly covers the product.
2. Place the container over medium heat and wait until the water begins to boil.
3. Then reduce the heat, add seasonings and salt to the pan. Cook the buckwheat for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Remove the pan and cover it with a thick cloth such as a towel. Leave the dish for 15-30 minutes.

Conclusion

The quality of buckwheat affects its shelf life, so pay attention to this when purchasing. To preserve all the properties and taste, observe the temperature, humidity level and choose suitable containers for storage. After the shelf life of the cereal has expired, there are no useful microelements left in it.