How to Keep Wheat Germ From Becoming Rancid

Wheat germ, or the center of the wheat kernel, is fragile and will turn rancid and sour if not taken care of properly. Purchasing wheat germ at the health food store is expensive; here are several ways to help you protect your investment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Wheat Germ
• Freezer bags
• Refrigerator/Freezer

1. Put the wheat germ in the refrigerator immediately upon arriving home. Wheat germ will stay fresh for up to two weeks under refrigeration.
2. Divide your wheat germ into smaller, one cup packages. Use freezer bags as the material is heavier and will help keep air and moisture out.
3. Store the freezer bags in the freezer until ready to use. Wheat germ will keep indefinitely frozen. When needed, remove from freezer an hour or so before use.

Tips & Warnings

• Wheat germ is loaded with vitamins and nutrition and has a pleasant nutty taste.
• Add wheat germ to bread and roll dough for extra taste and vitamins. It also adds to the protein value of the bread.
• Add wheat germ to baby’s breakfast cereal or sprinkle on veggies for added nutritional punch. Wheat germ and other wheat products should not be introduced to babies before they are at least six months old. Overuse of wheat germ can cause babies diarrhea.
• Sprinkle wheat germ on yogurt for a healthy, nutritious snack.
• Those with gluten allergies should not eat wheat germ.
• The wheat germ kernel is almost impossible to remove from the whole grain at home. It is better to purchase it from a health food or grocery store.