How to Store Quinoa

Store quinoa in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for months.

Quinoa, pronounced KEEN-wah, offers a wide array of nutritional benefits. A cup of cooked quinoa provides 58 percent of your daily recommended manganese, 30 percent of your daily magnesium, 28 percent of your daily phosphorus, 21 percent of your daily fiber, 19 percent of your daily folate and 18 percent of your daily copper according to SELF Nutrition Data. This nutritious grain can stay good for up to a year with proper storage. Because of its high oil content, you cannot store it at room temperature for prolonged periods.

Things You'll Need

• Airtight glass or plastic container

Instructions

1. Transfer the quinoa into an airtight plastic or glass container. These are the best materials for storing this particular grain. Seal the container tightly, ensuring no grains of quinoa remain around the rim to prevent the seal from being airtight.

2. Place the sealed jar of quinoa into the refrigerator. The darkness and cool temperatures in this controlled environment will help prevent quinoa's naturally present oil from causing the grain to spoil prematurely.

3. Use the refrigerated quinoa within three to six months, if possible. If necessary, you can keep it for up to a year. Do not use the quinoa if it appears to have gone bad, however, even if this is within three to six months. Signs of spoilage include a rancid or bad smell or the presence of mold or sprouts.

Tips & Warnings

• If you will use the quinoa within a few days or weeks, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. There is no need to refrigerate the quinoa if you will use it this quickly.

References

• The World's Healthiest Foods: Quinoa
• RecipeTips.com: Grain Storage Guide
• Freedomyou: Quinoa Recipes
• SELF Nutrition Data: Nutrition Facts and Analysis for Quinoa, cooked

Resources

• Cooking Quinoa: Quinoa Recipes