Interesting, but mostly common sense. Unfortunately the grains and pulses that don't keep are the ones that are already infested when you buy. I recently bought some Arborio Rice which I put into an air-tight container. Just a few days later it was filled with tiny white wriggling grubs. It had to be chucked! I have experienced the same with lentils.
When I bring something home from the store, I always freeze it for a few days. This kills any eggs that might be in the product. When I get around to it, I thaw it out and vacuum pack it and it keeps well. I really don't like to think about how many vermin and insects get into our food.
One time I dehydrated banana slices and packed them in ordinary zip-lock freezer bags. In storage, they attracted some kind of a flying insect that had a long body and transparent wings. Those bugs actually ate holes in the bags to get to the bananas and then the bananas started absorbing moisture from the air. I lost them all. So, no more do I store things in bags. In my opinion, vacuum-sealed jars are the only way to go for things you aren't going to keep in the freezer.
Interesting, but mostly common sense. Unfortunately the grains and pulses that don't keep are the ones that are already infested when you buy. I recently bought some Arborio Rice which I put into an air-tight container. Just a few days later it was filled with tiny white wriggling grubs. It had to be chucked! I have experienced the same with lentils.
ReplyDeleteExcellent article. A shame Mylar bags are so expensive to buy in this country.
ReplyDeleteI have a sack of organic flour this winter and need to divide it up for storage now.
When I bring something home from the store, I always freeze it for a few days. This kills any eggs that might be in the product. When I get around to it, I thaw it out and vacuum pack it and it keeps well. I really don't like to think about how many vermin and insects get into our food.
ReplyDeleteOne time I dehydrated banana slices and packed them in ordinary zip-lock freezer bags. In storage, they attracted some kind of a flying insect that had a long body and transparent wings. Those bugs actually ate holes in the bags to get to the bananas and then the bananas started absorbing moisture from the air. I lost them all. So, no more do I store things in bags. In my opinion, vacuum-sealed jars are the only way to go for things you aren't going to keep in the freezer.