Quinoa is considered a superfood and is now at the peak of gastronomic fashion. Quinoa is served in the most expensive restaurants and is recommended by nutritionists and Hollywood stars because of its rich vitamin and mineral composition. Quinoa has become very popular all over the world and in the USA, particularly for its health benefits and delicate creamy taste. For quinoa to taste good, it needs to be stored properly. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide on how to store quinoa at home.

How to store quinoa? Quinoa must be kept in a tightly closed moisture and light-proof jar. Raw quinoa will last 12-18 months if stored in a dry, cool place like a cupboard. Cooked quinoa is stored in the fridge in an air-tight container for 5 days. When exposed to light, quinoa quickly deteriorates and becomes rancid.

Ultimate Guide on How to Store Quinoa

How to Store Dry Uncooked Quinoa

 Dry uncooked quinoa should be stored in a dark place in an air-tight container at room temperature (+15—+20°C). Keep quinoa away from direct sunlight, as it will become rancid and bitter. Uncooked quinoa lasts for 12-18 months if not exposed to light. Quinoa must be protected from light and moisture. 

Avoid storing quinoa in its original packaging. It is better to transfer it into glass containers with tight-fitting lids. This will not only extend the shelf life of quinoa but also protect it from pests. Store quinoa in a dry, cool, and dark place like a kitchen cabinet or pantry works best. Sudden changes in the storage conditions of quinoa contribute to the loss of taste and benefits of cereals.

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Quinoa can be stored at any temperature. More often than not, many of us store quinoa at room temperature, leaving it in our kitchen cabinets. You can store quinoa in glass containers, plastic bags, and textile bags. Glass and plastic containers protect quinoa from pests. The storage location can be anywhere, as long as it is protected from direct sunlight and moisture. The temperature in the storage place should not be higher than 15-17 degrees, with relative humidity within 65-75%.

When storing quinoa at home, it is important to protect it from bugs and pests. There are several tricks for this that have been proven over the years:

• Put a couple of garlic cloves, hot peppers, chestnuts, or orange/lemon zest (dried) in a bowl of quinoa.
• Put a small foil ball in the container.
• Chewing gum with a mint or menthol flavor can repel pests.

The shelf life of quinoa at room temperature is 12-18 months.

How Long Can You Store Uncooked Quinoa?

Dry quinoa lasts for 12-18 months provided it is stored in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place at a temperature of +15—+20°C and protected from direct sunlight and moisture. Quinoa can be stored in its original package or transferred into an air-tight container. 

Storing Quinoa in a Fridge — How to Store Cooked Quinoa

You can store not only cooked quinoa in the fridge but also dry quinoa. Quinoa in the refrigerator can absorb unpleasant odors, so it is best stored in sealed containers.

Should quinoa be stored in the fridge? Cooked quinoa must be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days in an air-tight container. Keep quinoa away from moisture and direct light. The longer cooked quinoa is in the fridge, the worse its taste is, so keep cooked quinoa in a fridge without butter.

How long can you refrigerate quinoa? How long does cooked quinoa last in the fridge? Cooked quinoa lasts for up to 5 days in the fridge, but it is better to eat it within 3 days. Cooked quinoa must be stored in a glass container with a tightly closed lid to protect quinoa from moisture and other contaminants.

You can store uncooked quinoa in the fridge, too. First, in cold temperatures, the risk of getting insects in dry quinoa is much lower. Secondly, cold conditions can extend the shelf life of quinoa by several months. And finally, if there are already bugs or other insects in quinoa, they will simply freeze in cold conditions and cannot harm the food. The shelf life of quinoa in the refrigerator is up to 15 months.

Freezing Quinoa

Cooked quinoa can be stored in a freezer for 3 months. Longer storage contributes to the dampness of quinoa and taste deterioration. Store cooked quinoa in the freezer in airtight containers. Store uncooked quinoa in the freezer for up to 6-8 months in original packaging or glass containers.

If you want to freeze cooked quinoa, boil it for 10-15 minutes. Let it cool down and put it in a glass or plastic container with an air-tight lid. Cooked quinoa can be stored in a freezer for 3 months, but it is best to eat it as quickly as possible. Frozen quinoa does not change its taste or properties.

Does Quinoa Go Bad?

How to know if quinoa has spoilt? Uncooked quinoa has a long shelf life of 12-18 months. To see if quinoa went bad, smell it. Bad quinoa becomes rancid. Cooked quinoa has gone bad if it lost its texture and has a foul odor and mold inside. Cooked quinoa lasts for up to 5 days.

It is not recommended to leave cooked quinoa at room temperature because pathogens quickly develop. The seeds are kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for a long time – from 3 to 5 days. The main thing is, if there was water left during cooking, drain it completely.

Cooked quinoa freezes perfectly. To do this, cool the seeds completely and place them either in an airtight container or a plastic bag with a zip fastener, releasing all the air and distributing the quinoa in an even layer. And then put it in the freezer. This keeps quinoa for up to 3 months. Simply place the container or bag in the refrigerator before use to ensure that quinoa is properly thawed.

Quinoa is an excellent meal for you and your family if you want to eat healthily. Try not to store cooked quinoa for days. Just cook as much as you need to enjoy fresh quinoa that preserves its vitamins and nutrients. When storing dry quinoa, keep it away from moisture and sunlight.