How to Preserve Flour and Corn Meal

Storage

* Store flour and cornmeal in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

* Store flour and cornmeal in airtight containers. This will help keep them fresh and prevent them from absorbing moisture.

* Avoid storing flour and cornmeal near strong-smelling foods or spices. This can cause the flour and cornmeal to absorb the smells and flavors of the other foods.

* If you live in a humid climate, you may want to store flour and cornmeal in the refrigerator or freezer. This will help prevent them from becoming moldy.

Freezing

Flour and cornmeal can both be frozen for long-term storage. To freeze flour and cornmeal, place the flour or cornmeal in freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bags or containers. Frozen flour and cornmeal will keep for up to 1 year.

Refrigerating

Flour and cornmeal can both be refrigerated for short-term storage. To refrigerate flour and cornmeal, place the flour or cornmeal in airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. Refrigerated flour and cornmeal will keep for up to 3 months.

Extending the shelf life of flour and cornmeal

There are a few things you can do to extend the shelf life of flour and cornmeal:

* Buy flour and cornmeal in smaller quantities. This will help you use it up before it has time to go rancid.

* If you don't think you'll use up a whole bag of flour or cornmeal before the "best by" date, divide the flour or cornmeal into smaller containers and freeze it.

* When storing flour and cornmeal, add a packet of silica gel to the container. This will help absorb moisture and keep the flour and cornmeal fresh.

* Regularly rotate your stock of flour and cornmeal. Make sure to use the oldest flour or cornmeal first.

* If you notice any changes in the smell or taste of flour or cornmeal, don't use it. It may be rancid and unsafe to eat.