Flour is a widespread food in our kitchens but very delicate, especially in the heat of summer, which can alter its qualities and facilitate the appearance of insects and moths. Let's see together how we can best preserve it.
Avoiding the appearance of moths
One of the most common problems in flour storage is the presence of moths, small insects and moths, which, contrary to popular belief, are a synonym for quality flour. In fact, they are more prevalent in fine flours made from organic, chemically untreated, preservative-free and often stone-milled grains, where the presence of the wheat germ can encourage their development.
There are several tricks and strategies for keeping flour safe and not having to risk throwing it away. First, it is advisable to keep the pantry clean, especially in spring and summer, when moisture tends to proliferate the critters. Using a mixture of water and white vinegar can be an excellent natural repellent to keep them away. Alternatively, you can place some bay leaves, cloves or a cotton ball soaked in lavender essential oils near the flour container. In fact, all of these products have odors that disturb insects and keep them from approaching.
Removing long-opened packages from the storage place can also help keep away insects that are attracted to food odors.
Also crucial is the choice of where to store the flour, which must comply with certain precise characteristics.
There are several tricks and strategies for keeping flour safe and not having to risk throwing it away. First, it is advisable to keep the pantry clean, especially in spring and summer, when moisture tends to proliferate the critters. Using a mixture of water and white vinegar can be an excellent natural repellent to keep them away. Alternatively, you can place some bay leaves, cloves or a cotton ball soaked in lavender essential oils near the flour container. In fact, all of these products have odors that disturb insects and keep them from approaching.
Removing long-opened packages from the storage place can also help keep away insects that are attracted to food odors.
Also crucial is the choice of where to store the flour, which must comply with certain precise characteristics.
Choosing the right place
Some of the substances in flour are in fact particularly perishable, and contact with certain external elements (such as light, oxygen and moisture), can irreparably compromise their use.
The perfect pantry should therefore have a temperature between 10°and 25° C with average humidity values and should be away from heat sources. In this way, one is able to avoid the formation of mold, typical of extremely humid environments, and the deterioration of flour due to low humidity, dry or cold environment.
The perfect pantry should therefore have a temperature between 10°and 25° C with average humidity values and should be away from heat sources. In this way, one is able to avoid the formation of mold, typical of extremely humid environments, and the deterioration of flour due to low humidity, dry or cold environment.
Choosing the best container
Choosing the right container is also important for the proper storage of flour. To avoid the appearance of mold and insects and to preserve all the qualities of the flour, it is recommended to use airtight containers, especially if they are made of glass. In this way the flour will also be protected from the possible influence of odors that could compromise its characteristics. In fact, all types of flour tend to absorb the scents and flavors that surround them. On the other hand, linen bags should be avoided, which, although aesthetically very beautiful, absorb moisture from the flour, making it unusable in a short time.