A bowl of fresh sabzi or dal along with fluffy rotis/phulkas is a wholesome meal that most Indians simply can’t do without. Light and fluffy rotis are an integral part of our daily diet, a must no matter what sabzi we make. However, to make rotis at home, we need good quality wheat flour. The flour isn’t just for rotis but also is integral for paratha, sweets, and many other things. And while it is a common practice to buy and store wheat flour in bulk to save time, money and effort, improper storage of the flour can lead to the development of lumps or the growth of insects such as worms in it, making it unsuitable for use. This is more prominent in areas with fluctuating weather conditions, frequent changes in temperature and humidity that can facilitate the growth of insects in flour.
However, to prevent the spoilage of wheat flour, there are storage steps that you can take which will also keep your flour fresh for a longer time. Wondering how? We’ve got you covered with some easy tips that will help you keep your flour fresh and free from insects for a long time.
1. Use Stainless Steel Container
Moisture is the biggest cause of spoilage in flour, therefore it is important to use a steel container to store flour. Make sure to wash and dry the container in the sun well before filling it with flour. There should be no moisture in the container.
2. Use Salt
Salt is known to be an effective way to prevent insects from getting into the flour. You can simply add two to three spoons of salt to half the flour in the container and mix well. Then add the remaining flour and mix again by adding one or two spoons of salt.
3. Use Bay Leaf
Did you know that the strong aroma of bay leaf repels insects? Adding a bay leaf while storing flour is another effective way to keep insects away, you can easily remove the bay leaf when you use the flour for cooking.
4. Store in Refrigerator
While refrigerator may not be able to hold the bulk amount of flour, it is the easiest way to store flour if you put it in a glass jar or an airtight plastic container. You may divide the bulk flour into different containers. Make sure the lid is tightly closed to prevent moisture from entering. This will help you store the flour for several days.
5. Always Check the Manufacturing Date
This is the first and foremost tip that one needs to follow while buying the flour. Always check the manufacturing date before buying flour in large quantities. Avoid using flour that is more than a month old and try to use the flour within a month of the manufacturing date.