Are you craving quinoa? Well, buying it will be an excellent decision. You can get it from almost all major supermarkets or grocery stores.
Or even better, you can make it at home with the most premium and fresh ingredients. There are hundreds of quinoa recipes on the internet.
Making it is quite easy, but the real task is its storage. That is why you often encounter questions like how long does quinoa last in the fridge? Here’s all you need to know!
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How Long Does Quinoa Last in the Fridge?
Quinoa can last in the fridge for up to 5 days. But, that is only if you provide it with proper packaging. Otherwise, it will expire within 3 days.
It is a seed from the Chenopodium quinoa plant. The shelf life can also vary depending on the quinoa’s state.
Uncooked quinoa is dry. Hence, if you cover it up nicely, it can survive up to 2-3 years.
However, cooking it will shorten its lifespan significantly. It will drop down to 5 days max. You can also freeze it to preserve it for longer.
How Long Does Cooked Quinoa Last?
Cooked quinoa can last up to 5 days in a refrigerator, while uncooked quinoa has a longer shelf life of 2 years.
You should store it in an airtight bag. Make sure it does not get air ventilation or moisture. With these conditions, you can extend the shelf life of cooked quinoa to 7 days (1 week) from the date it is cooked.
Additionally, you can use a freezer. It can contain your cooked quinoa safely for up to 10 months.
Does Quinoa Go Bad?
Yes, quinoa is not invulnerable to bacterial growth.
It can go bad for many reasons, but mold growth is the most common sign of expired quinoa.
The first and most common reason would be to keep it in the fridge for too long.
As mentioned earlier, cooked quinoa can expire within 5 days of refrigeration. Even before that, you can notice signs of spoilage and bacterial growth.
Another common reason is keeping quinoa at room temperature or not storing it in an appropriate container.
How Do I Know if Quinoa is Spoiled?
The easiest way to tell quinoa is spoiled is by spotting mold growth. You will feel a change in texture, indicating that the food has expired.
Quinoa will also change its smell. Instead of its signature aroma, you will feel an unpleasant and funky odor. It is a common sign to point out spoiled quinoa.
If it is uncooked quinoa in the discussion, you will feel a difference while cooking it.
In short, you can easily point out that your quinoa has spoiled. If any of these signs appear, it is best to discard the quinoa.
What Does Moldy Quinoa Look Like?
Mold is a clear indication of bacterial growth. You can notice it in your quinoa as a white or green substance.
Generally, this type of substance is not found in cooked or uncooked fresh quinoa. It occurs after you keep it for days.
Mold indicates bacterial growth, and you will notice it as a fuzzy green substance.
It is also easy to point out mold growth in cooked quinoa. That’s because it affects the overall texture of the food.
What Happens if You Eat Bad Quinoa?
Eating spoiled quinoa can have some severe effects on one’s stomach. You will feel nausea, headaches, bloating, and gas.
These are not the effects of only spoiled quinoa. If it is not washed properly, quinoa can still cause various issues, including acidity.
However, it is unnecessary for quinoa to expire right after its best-by date. You can still eat it but first, inspect it carefully. If there are no signs of spoilage, it is safe to eat!
How to Store Quinoa in the Fridge?
Pack quinoa properly in an airtight container to store it in the fridge for up to 5-7 days.
Here’s how to store cooked quinoa in the fridge:
- Take your cooked quinoa and transfer it into an airtight container
- You can use a plastic or glass container as long as it prevents air ventilation.
- Store the quinoa container on one of the central shelves of the fridge.
Do not put it directly in the fridge if it is just cooked. Let it cool for up to 20-30 minutes. Then, put it in the refrigerator.
You can follow the same pattern to store quinoa in the freezer. The only change will be to use a zip-top or sealed bag instead of an airtight container.
How to Store Quinoa Without Refrigeration?
You can also store quinoa without refrigeration by keeping it in a dry and cool place, like a cabinet.
Here’s how to store quinoa without refrigeration:
- Pack your cooked quinoa properly in an airtight container.
- Look for a cabinet or pantry with a cool atmosphere and no direct sunlight.
- Put the quinoa container there.
Note that keeping quinoa on the kitchen counter will not help. That’s because it can expire within 2 hours at room temperature.
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Conclusion
And that brings us to the end of this detailed guide on storing quinoa in a refrigerator. It can survive up to a week, depending on the provided conditions.
If you want to preserve it for longer, opt for a refrigerator. It can keep your cooked quinoa safe for months to come.
Packaging is key to storing quinoa in a fridge or without refrigeration. If you use an appropriate container, you can extend its lifespan.
And choosing an inappropriate container will do just the opposite.
Crystal Hafley is a dedicated writer and content creator for WorstBrands, where she specializes in writing insightful reviews about kitchen appliances and fashion products.
With her expertise, Crystal provides readers with accurate and reliable information to help them make informed decisions about the brands and products they use every day. When she's not researching or writing, Crystal enjoys cooking and exploring the latest fashion trends.