Quinoa is becoming the ‘wholegrain’ of choice. Quinoa is loved for its versatility and health. What is the shelf-life of cooked quinoa, though?
How long can quinoa keep in the fridge? The shelf life for cooked quinoa in the fridge is 4-7 days. You can store cooked quinoa in the freezer for up to 12 month to prolong its shelf life.
This article will explain how to spot bad quinoa and what storage conditions are best.
Does Quinoa Go Bad?
Quinoa, a healthy seed, is often considered a whole grain. Quinoa is a healthy seed that can be enjoyed in many ways. You may find yourself excited to purchase a lot when you see it at your local supermarket.
It is a good idea to stock up on some quinoa, as it is increasingly popular as a supergrain and health food.
But does quinoa go bad? Quinoa can go bad, regardless of whether it’s cooked. Quinoa has a “Best before” date. It will go bad faster if it is not stored in the right conditions.
How can you tell if Quinoa is bad?
It is difficult to detect signs of spoilage in uncooked quinoa. Rarely, uncooked quinoa may have an unpleasant smell or mold.
You can usually tell if the quinoa has gone bad after it is cooked. If you notice any changes in the texture or a strong odor after cooking, discard your bag of uncooked Quinoa. Bad quinoa seeds can also become hardened and stale.
It is not as easy to determine whether cooked quinoa is safe for consumption. Here are some signs that cooked quinoa is at risk of becoming spoiled.
- A strong, unpleasant smell
- Mold in the container containing quinoa or quinoa by itself
- Discoloration
- Texture hard
You should discard cooked quinoa if you see any of these symptoms. If the cooked quinoa has been in the refrigerator for more than one week and there are no signs of spoilage, it is best to throw it out.
How to store Quinoa
Uncooked Quinoa is stored in the same way as all other dried goods.
First, keep the quinoa dry. Moisture is the enemy number one of quinoa, as with all dried goods.
To prevent pests from getting in, you need to seal it. Transfer the seeds to an airtight container if the original bag of quinoa is broken, made from paper, or not sealed.
To preserve its best qualities, keep your quinoa in cool and dark places. Quinoa should not be kept near heat sources or in rooms where temperatures fluctuate.
For cooked quinoa it is best to keep in the refrigerator
How to store Quinoa in the Fridge
These steps will help you prolong the shelf life of cooked quinoa when it is stored in the refrigerator.
- Let the quinoa cool down. The quinoa may take around 20 minutes for it to cool completely.
- For space-saving storage, place the quinoa in a container or freezer bag.
- Secure the lid to the container. Use a bag to seal the container.
- Place the date on the label of the container or plastic bag and keep it in the refrigerator.
Reheat only the amount of quinoa that is in the refrigerator before you eat it.
The cooked seeds will become less nutritious if they are taken out of the refrigerator, reheated, and then put back in the fridge again.
Is Cooked Quinoa Good in the Fridge?
Cooked quinoa is best kept in the refrigerator for a short time.
Even if you keep the cooked seeds in the refrigerator properly, quinoa can go bad. Cooked quinoa will last longer if it is stored in the right conditions. This will preserve its flavor and texture.
Can You Refrigerate Leftover Quinoa?
Refrigerate any leftover quinoa if it hasn’t been at room temperature for more than 2 hours . After that, bacteria may grow in the quinoa.
Quinoa can be eaten at room temperature for more than two hours without any problems. It is safe to observe the two-hour rule to eliminate food-borne illnesses.
Can Quinoa be frozen?
Three times more cooked quinoa is produced when you cook it than you start with. This is why you end up with more cooked Quinoa than you can eat in a matter of days.
You can freeze cooked Quinoa, whether you accidentally cook too much or just want it to be available in your refrigerator at all times.
How to cook and freeze Quinoa.
- Run the water to rinse the quinoa and drain it. This is necessary if you want the seeds to be bitter.
- Combine the quinoa and water in a saucepan. The ratio of quinoa to water should be 1:2. Allow the mixture to boil on medium heat for 20 minutes, or until the seeds absorb all of the water.
- After you turn off the heat, allow the quinoa to steam for five minutes. Next, fluff the quinoa with a fork and season it well.
- Let the quinoa cool before you divide it into pieces. You won’t waste any of the quinoa if you divide it into smaller pieces.
- After the quinoa cools, you can transfer it to airtight containers or heavy duty zip-top bags. If you need to make sure your freezer is free from clutter, zip-top bags will work better.
- Place the quinoa in the freezer and label the bags.
Using Frozen Cooked Quinoa
You can use frozen cooked quinoa by transferring it from the freezer to the refrigerator and letting it thaw overnight. Although it would be faster to thaw quinoa at room temp, this is not recommended because harmful bacteria could grow in the food.
You can microwave or heat the quinoa in non-stick saucepans if you’re in a rush. To prevent the quinoa from drying out, you can add water to the microwaved quinoa.
Also, you can steam frozen quinoa to defrost it and heat it up. This method of reheating Quinoa can be time-consuming.
Note Quinoa can be used in 3 to 4 days if it is thawed in a refrigerator. Quinoa should be thawed on the stovetop or in the microwave immediately.
How long does Quinoa last?
Quinoa’s shelf life is affected by many factors including the quality and storage conditions.
What is the Lifespan of Uncooked Quinoa?
If the quinoa has been properly packaged and stored, its shelf life is very long. All varieties of quinoa - red, black, or white - have a shelf life between 2 and 3 years.
Check the expiration date of quinoa packaging before you buy it. This doesn’t mean that the quinoa should be thrown away, but it does indicate how long the manufacturer recommends keeping it.
Quinoa that is properly stored will last for longer than the expiration date. Uncooked quinoa does not show any signs of spoilage.
If you don’t know how long the package has been on the supermarket shelves, it’s a good idea to check the manufacturer’s storage recommendations and the “Best by” date.
Uncooked quinoa can be eaten for months or even years after the date printed. However, it is best to use it as soon as possible.
What is the Shelf Life of Cooked Quinoa?
To prevent it going bad, cooked Quinoa should be kept refrigerated (or frozen) as previously mentioned.
The shelf life of cooked quinoa in a fridge in an airtight container is 4-7 days. Quinoa is a great ingredient for meal preparation due to its health benefits.
The freezer slows down the degradation process of quinoa so cooked quinoa can be stored for up to 12 month. Quinoa can be safe to eat if the freezer temperature is stable.
We recommend that you use frozen cooked Quinoa no later than 8 to 12 months as the texture and flavor will begin to deteriorate faster.
