Chia seeds can go bad for a variety of reasons. Expired chia seeds may have rancid oils, unpleasant smells, or stick together. You may also notice tiny bugs growing on them. Thankfully, there are easy ways to tell when your chia seeds are bad. Here are some of the main warning signs. If you haven’t used your chia seeds in a while, you may want to toss them out and buy some new ones.
Expired Chia Seeds Can Contain Rancid Oils
You should never eat expired chia seeds. Although chia seeds do not go bad, they do lose their nutritional value when exposed to air or water. They can be used for almost two years, but a better way to preserve them is to store them in an airtight container at room temperature away from sunlight. You can purchase chia seeds at a health food store, but you should always check the expiration date.
Chia seeds can be stored for months or years without moisture. However, if they have been exposed to water for a long time, you should throw them out. The moisture may cause mold to grow and make them unfit for human consumption. This may also affect the taste of the seeds. If the seeds develop a bitter aftertaste, they are likely rancid. Besides the sour taste, expired chia seeds contain rancid oils and should be discarded immediately.
They Have No Distinct Taste
As far as superfoods go, chia seeds don’t have a distinctive taste. They are crunchy when raw, but absorb liquid and soften to form a gel-like substance. While it doesn’t have an unusual taste, it’s worth noting that some people find chia seeds to have a fishy odor and flavor. Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid this unpleasant taste.
Because of their high antioxidant content, chia seeds are great for your health. They help balance blood sugar levels and are a great source of fiber. As a result, they help with weight loss and prevent constipation. Moreover, their high soluble fiber content helps cleanse your intestines and reduce your risk of diabetes and other diseases. In addition, chia seeds have been linked to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, which are essential for your health.
They Can Stick Together
Most companies label their chia seeds with a “best before” date. However, just because they are past this date doesn’t mean that they’re bad. If the seeds are odorless and have a slightly bitter taste, they can be eaten. Otherwise, discard them. The best way to tell if your chia seeds are bad is to check the packaging for a “best by” date.
One way to tell if your chia seeds have gone bad is if they have clumped together. If this happens, they’ve been sitting in their container for too long or exposed to direct sunlight and warm temperatures. Moreover, you’re most likely keeping them in a pantry, where bugs and other pests like to live. If you find them clumped together, throw them out immediately.
They Can Go Rancid if Stored in An Airtight Container
To maintain the health of your chia seeds, store them in an airtight container and away from light, heat, and dispensers. You can purchase resealable zip-lock bags to store your chia seeds in the fridge or freezer. Chia seeds are best stored in a dark place, away from direct sunlight. They can also last for months in the freezer.
Although chia seeds can withstand light, heat, and oxygen, they can easily spoil and go rancid when exposed to too much moisture. You can smell the chia seeds if they begin to smell rancid. You can also taste the seeds to determine if they have gone bad. If you notice that the chia seeds are starting to smell bad, discard them immediately.
They Can Be Frozen
The first thing to do is to store your chia seeds properly. They are prone to mold and can be harmful to your health. To prevent this, store them in a glass container. Plastic plates can also work well. These containers will provide the seeds with the proper storage conditions, prevent spoilage and keep them from developing odors. In addition, glass containers will make the seeds easier to see, making them easy to use and remember to store.
You can store chia seeds in the refrigerator, freezer, or pantry. Depending on your chosen method, they will keep for several months or more. Make sure to store them in an airtight container, and avoid keeping them in direct sunlight or close to heat sources. Chia seeds can also be frozen, ensuring a long shelf life of four years. Chia seeds should never be stored near light, as light will cause them to go rancid and lose their nutrients.
I’m Dan, and I love food.
No, really – I love food. I’m passionate about it in an inexplicable, bordering-on-obsessive way. Bacon makes me beam with happiness; chocolate sends me into fits of joyous celebration. But I don’t just love unhealthy junk food – I also adore vegetables. Kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts? Bring them on! In fact, I’ve even made a website teaching people how to enjoy green things. (We’ve come a long way from loathing veggies!)
Why do we love food so much? It’s simple: good food brings people together. Whether you’re sharing a meal with your family or friends, or bonding over a delicious piece of bacon, food is the ultimate connector. That’s why at Turtle Tree Seeds, we’re dedicated to bringing people together through good food.
