How do chia seeds go bad? This is the question that has been asked by many as it’s the staple food. Without the intrusion of bugs and moisture, chia seeds can be stored for years as it abundantly contains antioxidant.
But there is the presence of fats as well which contribute to its rancidity, so at any apparent deterioration, it will become poisonous.
What are Chia seeds & how do chia seeds go bad?
The functional food ‘Chia seeds’ are tiny but contain essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and proteins. Chia seeds have become the top choice for people with cholesterol and digestion problems. Chia seeds help in losing weight.
Health freaks are crazy about the seeds due to their power-packed benefits. Chia seeds are being used in many foods such as pudding, yogurt, cereals, and shakes and impart a mild and nutty flavor. The peculiar flavor of chia seeds is liked by many people.
Chia seeds can be consumed raw, frozen, or roasted, and until moisture doesn’t find its way inside these tiny seeds, it could last for years because otherwise, it’s a staple food.
How Long Do Chia Seeds Last before they go bad?
Many seeds are being used in cooking or daily diet such as basil seeds, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, etc. But chia tops all of it because of its prolonged shelf stability at room temperature. Chia seeds contain an abundant number of antioxidants and nutrients and prevent excessive accumulation of moisture.
Do chia seeds go bad? Well the answer is, the chia seeds may be stored for up to 5 years without any mold growth if kept in an airtight container. However, storage conditions greatly influence the shelf life.
Chia seed flour may be stored for up to 6 months without any sliminess and fungal growth. If you have soaked your chia seeds then you must keep in mind that it will deteriorate after a day.
How can you tell if your chia seeds go bad?
Chia seeds have a comparatively longer shelf life but still several factors could contribute to their deterioration.
- Moisture: Moisture is one of the main factors which causes the chia seeds to go bad. When the moisture seeps inside the seeds, it causes mold growth, and seeds become no longer edible so you must discard them. Mold growth may seem like a dark cotton-like layer over the seeds. Mold is highly toxic if consumed as it negatively affects gut health.
- Pungent smell: Chia seeds’ natural scent is quite nutty, so if you start to experience a chemical-like, sour smell it’s time you get rid of them. because the seeds have expired.
- Lumpy seeds: When there are clumps inside the container where the seeds are stored, it’s a sign that moisture has found its route and the seeds are no longer fine.
- Bitter taste: When you consume seeds and experience a bitter taste, it means the seeds have gone bad.
- Pantry bugs: if you have seen bugs inside the jar of chia seeds you have to discard them altogether as these bugs may be carrying germs and become a source of contamination.
- Sliminess: If the chia seeds have been stored in an airtight container, then they must remain dry but if water has gotten inside the container/jar then a slimy layer will start to appear which causes spoilage as microbes thrive in such an environment.
How to Store Chia Seeds?
Do chia seeds go bad without proper storage? Although, there are not many protocols that you require while storing the chia seeds as it’s a staple food and can remain in mint condition even at room temperature only if you have made sure that it is packed in an airtight container. Make sure to remove all the air from the bags before zipping them.
However, it is recommended that not all of the seeds are packed in one place, dividing them into smaller packs may seem a valid option as they will be immediately consumed. Chia seeds may be refrigerated but people may not prefer doing it because seeds become less perishable and have a greater lifespan.
Refrigeration may pose several disadvantages as there is a higher chance of intrusion from the nearby stored food in the fridge and moisture could also contribute to spoilage.
Refrigerated chia seeds
Do chia seeds go bad without refrigeration? Well, there is a misconception that when you opened chia seeds bags you have to refrigerate them but that’s not the case.
Chia seeds can be stored for 4-5 years without apparent spoilage if properly sealed, but if you think you won’t finish them till then you can simply put them inside your refrigerator to slow down its spoilage and increase shelf life.
Frozen chia seeds
Almost everything could freeze without any significant damage, you can do it with chia seeds for sure.
Chia seeds could be stored inside your kitchen pantry for a few years but freezing can increase the shelf life up to more years. But this is not the preferred choice.
What happens after consuming rancid chia seeds?
Expired chia seeds are not as dangerous as it sounds to be, you can still have them with slight food poisoning. However, consuming rotten seeds is not recommended as sickness will start to appear immediately.
Consuming chia seeds in excess amounts may also pose great threats to the human gut system. Chia seeds cause blood thinning and gastrointestinal issues in diabetics and blood pressure, patients.
Bottom-line
Chia seeds are packed with so many nutrients and have years-long shelf life due to low perishability.
By keeping in mind the spoilage indications including, moisture and bugs. Storing in airtight containers can keep the seeds fresh and perfect for consumption.
FAQs
Is it OK to eat expired chia seeds?
There are not any damaging effects observed while eating expired Chua seeds. However, malty or rancid chia seeds may impart gastric problems.
Do chia seeds go bad in the fridge?
No in the refrigerator the shelf life becomes twice the storage period at room temperature.
How many chia seeds should you eat a day?
You can consume approx. 20 g or one and a half tablespoons of chia seeds two times a day.
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