To protect your investment, you need to know how to properly store flour and grains in bulk… Will wheat and rice, einkorn and more stay fresh in the pantry, or is the freezer best? Here’s everything you need to know about long term food storage of flour and grains at home!

You bring home a big bag of grains or flour… now what do you do with it?
How do you store it so it doesn’t go bad and to protect your investment?
On today’s #AskWardee, I’m sharing how to store flour and grains!
Keep reading or watching below to learn more!
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Table Of Contents
The Question: How Should I Store My Flour & Grains?
Tara S. asked:
Can you provide some suggestions for storage of larger amounts of flours/grains/etc. The stores seem to be hit and miss on the 5# bags, but some still have the 20#. I’m just not sure how to store that much flour/grain/rice/etc. I’d be especially thankful if you can show visuals of storage vessels, pantry, countertop, etc. so I can visualize what to do to store this amount of product and still have a usable pantry, cabinet, etc.
Tara, thank you for your question!
Because we’re featuring your question today’s #AskWardee, you’re getting a gift — a FREE eBook and Video Package! Our team will be in contact with you so you can choose which one you’d like!
How To Store Flour & Grains
Piggybacking on last week’s episode (Where To Buy Whole Wheat Berries, Grains, And Flour #AskWardee 148), once you get your flour or berries, you need to protect that investment with proper storage!
Here’s how…

Whole Grains
Bring home, then freeze for 10 days to kill any critter larvae/eggs. If you have a large bag (15# to 50#), split it up into smaller bags.
Once the 10 days are up, you can keep the grains in the freezer or transfer them to storage containers such as 5-gallon food-grade buckets with gamma seal lids. (Use mylar bags and oxygen absorbers inside the buckets if for long-term storage.)
Or, use other airtight containers such as glass jars. You can even seal up Mason jars using this jar sealer attachment for a Food Saver vacuum sealer!
Store the grain in a dry, cool place. No heat or moisture source nearby. Not in a hot attic, damp basement, or humid garage. Not near a water heater or clothes dryer.
If kept cool, dry, dark and critter-free, your whole grains will last many, many years (and even still sprout)!
Sprouted grains should be stored similarly.

Milled Grains (Flour)
If keeping at room temperature, put in zipper seal bags or glass jars and use within three days of grinding. Milled grains should not be stored at room temperature for more than three days because of the danger of rancidity.
Otherwise, refrigerate for up to seven days or freeze up to six months.
Sprouted flour should be used/stored similarly. Although it does last longer than unsprouted, I follow these guidelines to be on the safe side of rancidity.
If you’re interested in milling your own flour, take a look at the home stone grain mill I recommend — the Mockmill. Get free gifts from me when using my link to shop: https://traditionalcookingschool.com/mockmill If you do purchase a Mockmill using my link (required), claim your free gifts worth $128 from me right here!
Sprouted Grains Or Flour
If you’re learning how to sprout grains, you may wonder how to store them.
If sprouted whole berries, follow the Whole Grains guidelines above. If sprouted flour, follow the guidelines for Milled Grains above.
Here’s more information on how to soak & cook whole grains and how long will sprouted grains last.
Free “Home Grain Milling 101” eBook!
Want our FREE “Home Grain Milling 101” eBook? Click here to download the “Home Grain Milling 101” eBook for FREE!
Any Questions Or Comments?
If you have other questions or comments about your own experience with storing whole grains or flour, be sure to leave them in the comments!
Helpful Links
- FREE Home Grain Milling 101″ eBook
- Gamma seal lids
- Mylar bags for food storage
- Oxygen absorbers for food storage
- Mason jar sealer attachment for a Food Saver vacuum sealer
- Mockmill (I recommend the 100 or the Lino 100)
- Claim your FREE ($128 value) bonuses from me with your purchase of the Mockmill here!
More Mockmill Related Articles from the #AskWardee Show:
- Unboxing The Mockmill (Affordable Home Stone Grain Mill)
- Differences Between Nutrimill And Mockmill #AskWardee 120
- How To Simply & Easily Clean Your Mockmill Grain Mill #AskWardee 119
- Where To Buy Whole Wheat Berries, Grains, and Flour #AskWardee 148
- Buckwheat Flour 101: Choosing, Milling Flour, Sprouting, Recipes & More! #AskWardee 141
- Milling Soft Wheat In A Grain Mill {Homemade Pastry Flour} #AskWardee 131
- Is The New Ultragrain White Whole Wheat Healthy? #AskWardee 112
How do you store whole grains and flour? Share in the comments below!