We all know the incredible benefits that chia seeds bring us, but have you thought about how to store chia seeds properly? Depending on the use you give it, you will need to know the most effective ways to do it and thus protect your seeds for a long time.
Contrary to people think, these seeds’ storage, care, and handling are effortless. But it is necessary to keep the nutritional values of chia intact to enjoy its benefits throughout its consumption.
How to store chia seeds after opening?
Chia seeds usually come in plastic packets. But even though they can last a long time inside the package, once you open it and come into contact with air, the oxidation process begins.
Do not worry! Since it is a slow race for chia seeds to go bad. But to avoid contaminating them and extend their life as much as possible, you must place them in a suitable container immediately after their first use.
How to store chia seeds in airtight glass containers
This is one of the most effective ways to protect chia seeds, especially if you live in very humid or cold places. Glass is a highly resistant material that won’t damage your food and will maintain its quality, flavor, and texture.
Besides, if it has an airtight seal, you will be protecting your seeds completely. Airtight containers prevent the access of unwanted particles such as moisture, insects, microbes, or dirt. And regardless of the passage of time, your seeds will be intact and vacuum sealed.
To do this, you need to have an airtight glass container of the correct size for the number of your seeds. The less space there is in the container, the better. Make sure the container is clean, dry, and free of stains.
Once you remove the seeds from the packaging, pour them over the glass container and cover them adequately. You can store it inside the refrigerator or in the cupboard, away from scorching places or where sunlight can get easily.
How to store chia seeds in plastic containers
Many wonder how to store chia seeds to last a long time; as long as they have an airtight seal, you can use plastic containers to store your seeds.
Keep in mind that different types of plastic can be used for this task. Make sure it is a solid and rigid material. Avoid moldable plastic containers as they won’t provide the closure we need and can warp over time.
The most important thing is to keep the seeds at a constant temperature and avoid humidity. Whether you store them inside or outside the fridge, the moisture inside the seeds will quickly damage them.
It is best to cover the seeds with a napkin or some very absorbent material and seal the lid better. This tip will help close any air leaks and keep the chia seeds intact for longer.
What is the ideal temperature to store chia seeds?
Many people prefer to store their chia seeds in the freezer, but the truth is that room temperature is perfect for chia seeds. They do not need to be refrigerated, and they do not need to be in very hot places either.
If it is true that chia seeds last for many years frozen, their degradation process speeds up considerably after you thaw them. Forcing you to consume them quickly because otherwise they would be damaged.
The biggest enemy of chia seeds is moisture. Since it attracts insects, mold, and many bacteria that contaminate the seed. Therefore, keeping them in a dry place, inside a suitable container, will be vital for their shelf life.
Inside the cupboard or on the kitchen table are usually one of the best options. Because they receive a good amount of light, preventing darkness from promoting the development of microbes or bacteria.
So the ideal for your chia seeds is room temperature inside a place to avoid high or low temperatures, especially in a dry and stable climate. Remove them to a drier spot in case of being in winter o rain season.
What happens if the seeds aren’t stored correctly?
Chia seeds are highly durable, maintaining their benefits for a long time. But in case of not storing them well, we could be condemning them to lose all their nutritional value. Then we would be eating seeds that do not bring anything good to the body.
When chia seeds are improperly stored, the oxidation process begins rapidly. There is no barrier to protect them from air, dirt, and insects, so they become incredibly vulnerable.
Eating them in this state can have an opposite effect than expected. The seeds may stay intact for a couple of years, but they will begin to soften and develop a foul odor. At this point, it is necessary to throw away the seeds, especially if they have attracted different types of insects.
On the other hand, the humidity deteriorates its interior and eliminates its nutritional value. Mold is a clear sign of deterioration, almost always accompanied by a sticky, shiny appearance. Chia seeds in good condition will remain dark and opaque in color. Chia seeds in good condition will remain dark and opaque in color.
How to store chia seeds without opening
Another very peculiar and popular way to store your chia seeds is to leave them in the packaging they came in. The idea is to avoid contact between air and the seeds to prevent oxidization. If you don’t open the package, everything will be fine.
You can buy several packages of your favorite chia seeds and store them without opening the bag.
However, you should still choose a place free of moisture with a stable temperature. In this way, avoid storing them inside the refrigerator because there will be no barrier to protect them from the excessive cold of the fridge.
Once you open a package, you should store the remaining seeds in a suitable container. Or you can also use the total amount for any recipe you want to prepare and thus make the most of your seeds.
We hope your doubts about how to store chia seeds have been clarified and that you learn how to get the most out of it. They are very healthy, long-lasting and you will see how they will improve your life by adding them to your daily diet.