How to store oatmeal and porridge

What are oatmeal

Oat flakes are the result of processing oat grains. They are obtained by removing the germs and shells of grain, followed by steaming and flattening it. The result of this chain of technological processes are thin, milky-white petals, familiar to everyone under the name “Hercules”.

When setting the shelf life of oatmeal, the quality of the raw materials must be taken into account.

The benefits of the product for the human body also depend on the quality of the raw materials. The peculiarities of the effect of oatmeal on the body are determined by their composition. In particular, you should pay attention to the content of high-quality oatmeal in large quantities of coarse dietary fiber.

When consumed, such fibers help effectively cleanse the intestines of stagnation, which leads to better absorption of nutrients. In addition, coarse dietary fiber is a kind of sorbent, since it is able to absorb some toxic substances and remove them outside.

By actively influencing the walls of the digestive tract, coarse dietary fiber activates intestinal motility, which makes it possible to use substances of this type both to combat constipation and for preventive purposes - to prevent this problem.

The B vitamins contained in oatmeal are also important. These biologically active substances are extremely important for the proper functioning of the nervous system. In addition, they have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, nails and hair.

Buckwheat and barley: shelf life according to GOST

• buckwheat (seed) - 1.5 years
• buckwheat (kernel) - 20 months
• pearl barley – 1.5 years

I note that the requirements for proper storage of cereals are the same for all of them. Let's look at these rules in more detail.

Almonds, cashews, soybeans, coconut, rice - just what milk is not made from now. Alternative milk does not contain lactose, can be drunk by vegetarians and is suitable for fasting. In our opinion, the most delicious and popular of all non-dairy milks is oat milk.

Oat milk tastes very good. It is slightly sweet with a slightly recognizable taste of oatmeal. The consistency of store-bought oat milk is creamy and foams well, which is why it is often used in coffee shops to make lattes and other similar drinks.

How long to store oatmeal, shelf life

The shelf life of oat flakes is set and indicated on the packaging by the manufacturer, guided by the level of quality of the raw materials, the features of the processing technology, the type of packaging and the nuances of the location of the warehouse.

It is necessary to store oatmeal in accordance with the requirements; conditions must be observed not only in warehouses where the product is stored after production, but also in the premises where it is sold. In addition, you need to remember about the shelf life of oatmeal at home.

As a rule, the average guaranteed shelf life of oatmeal is 4-6 months from the date of production of the product.

Proper storage

This process includes selection of proper environmental conditions, packaging, and shelf life.

Buckwheat

After purchase, you need to open the cellophane package and transfer the contents to a glass or iron container with a tight-fitting lid. A canvas bag soaked in salt can be used. Storing in commercial containers leads to rancidity.

For large volumes and long-term preparations, it is worth frying. A clove of unpeeled garlic or a couple of bay leaves inside will prevent cereal bugs. Buckwheat does not like direct sunlight, heat, or dampness.

Manna

Cereals should be purchased in transparent packaging. Lumps, husks, and bugs are visible through it, which indicates improper living conditions. The date on the packaging indicates the permissible time of use. Once opened, it must be consumed within 8 months in winter, and within 3 months in summer.

Additional preventive measures against insects: storing the unopened package in the refrigerator for several days, drying the unopened package in the oven. Then sift through a large sieve.

It is better to place the semolina in a glass, ceramic container with an airtight lid or a fabric bag. A dry, cool (not higher than 21 ˚C) room is favorable.

Rice

Rice is a coarse grain. The original packaging is not suitable for storage. A container made of glass, ceramics, or special plastic is used for storing food products. Pepper, garlic, bay leaf or a metal object (nail or spoon) inside the container will protect rice from bugs. Favorable temperature +5…+15 ˚С. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.

Herkulesova

This is a compressed derivative of oatmeal. The damaged outer shell and high fat content ensure a short shelf life of 4 months. To avoid moisture ingress, the container must be closed.

You can keep oatmeal, keeping the store packaging, in the refrigerator at a temperature of +8...+10 ˚С. The time of use begins from the date of manufacture, not packaging.

Oat

When choosing cereals, you should buy golden-colored ones that are not glued together. Preferably kept in fabric bags or paper bags. The room must be clean, dry, constant temperature no higher than +25 ˚С, humidity 70%. The period of use is set by the manufacturer and indicated on the packaging.

Wheat

A well-ventilated room with a temperature of +18 ˚С, hermetically sealed containers is the key to successful storage of wheat derivatives. Glass, ceramic, iron, plastic - any dry containers will do.

Wheat should not be kept near strong-smelling spices. Sales are marked on the packaging; after the expiration date, the product cannot be consumed.

Corn

High humidity promotes the establishment of insects and mites, and also leads to rancidity of the product. Optimum humidity 60-70%, temperature from -5 to +5 ˚С, absence of light - these are the conditions for keeping such grains.

Dry, clean, hermetically sealed containers will help preserve the flavor of the grains. Priority is given to fabric bags and paper bags.

Yachneva

After purchase, the cereal is poured from the pack into prepared glass or plastic containers and stored in a cool, ventilated area. The time of use is set by the manufacturer as indicated on the packaging. When purchasing, you should visually determine the presence of debris, lumps, and insects.

Lentil

Cloth or canvas bags are the most suitable containers for lentils. Cardboard boxes will also work. Glass jars and plastic bags can form condensation and are not suitable for storing legumes. Damp, hot rooms contribute to the formation of rot and mold.

You need a dry, dark place away from heating devices. If supplies are replenished, previously purchased and newly purchased grains should not be mixed.

Millet

The storage time is short; you should not buy millet in reserve. The best packaging, as for most cereals, is a container made of fabric or paper; it allows the millet to breathe without acquiring a rancid effect.

The place chosen is cool, dark, ventilated. Maximum temperature +25 ˚С, humidity 70%. Millet is a delicate cereal derivative with sufficient fat content.

Storing Boiled Oatmeal

It's so easy to make more oatmeal than you can handle, and you won't want to throw away the leftovers and waste some good oatmeal.

There are some great ways to store cooked oatmeal to enjoy at a later date, and you can even make a big batch to keep for eating throughout the week.

Cooked oatmeal can last up to 5 days if stored properly , and this allows you to eat oatmeal every day of the workweek without having to cook it in the morning.

There are three different ways to store cooked oatmeal, and they all have different storage times:

1. Refrigerating Oatmeal – The refrigerator is the easiest way to store oatmeal, especially if you plan to eat the oatmeal in the next few days. You can portion the oats into individual servings and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
2. Freezing Oatmeal – Using the freezer to store oatmeal is used when you don't plan to eat the oatmeal in the next few days and want to extend the shelf life even further. You can store oatmeal in the freezer for up to 3 months.
3. Dehydrating Oatmeal – If for some reason you don't want to store your oatmeal in the refrigerator or freezer, you can place it in a dehydrator. Once dehydrated, oatmeal can be stored in a cool, dry, dark place for 3 months. An airtight container should be used to ensure optimal quality.

Choosing the best container for storing oatmeal

When you collect leftover oatmeal, you need to choose an airtight container. This helps avoid excess moisture and exposure to air, which can cause the oatmeal to spoil.

• Freezer bags are a good choice because they are durable and you can stack them to save space. They have a semi-permeable membrane that helps protect the oatmeal from moisture. The problem with freezer bags is that they are not necessarily reusable and they retain unpleasant odors.
• Glass containers are a popular choice for cooked oatmeal. They seal tightly, the glass has no unpleasant odors and can be used again and again. There are not many disadvantages to using glass containers, but remember that glass breaks easily and is heavier than plastic.
• Plastic containers are really convenient to use. The good ones seal, stack, and are durable. You can reuse plastic containers, but they retain an unpleasant odor, so care should be taken when using them to store cooked oatmeal.

Once the oatmeal is cooked, refrigerate it for 2 hours. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours as this encourages bacterial growth, which can lead to foodborne illness.

If you want to eat oatmeal , you can simply leave it at room temperature and then add some liquid to the oatmeal, stir it and place it in the microwave to warm it up, or reheat it on the stove until it's hot.

Remove from the heat and stir again to warm the oatmeal through, add more liquid if necessary and enjoy.

Can I freeze oatmeal with fruit and other toppings?

If you like your oatmeal with apples and cinnamon or other extra ingredients, it's best to cook your oatmeal before freezing and then add those extra ingredients later when you reheat the oatmeal.

Cooking these ingredients with oatmeal for the first time and then storing them in the refrigerator or freezer can cause them to become soggy and mushy as they defrost and reheat.

Spices also change their flavor when frozen and thawed , so cinnamon or nutmeg may not taste the same as when you ate your oatmeal fresh.

Simply let the oatmeal thaw and add additional ingredients and spices before popping the oatmeal into the microwave or oven to soften and season the entire oatmeal.

How much is it?

Let's find out the shelf life of various cereals: semolina, buckwheat, corn, wheat, pearl barley, rice, oatmeal ("Hercules"), barley and millet. The table shows the shelf life requirements for different types of cereals: