...... Maida (or All Purpose Flour) might acquire a brownish surface layer when it is stored for a long time without disturbing it. This brownish surface is actually tiny eggs of the bugs in the flour. If the surface coloration is darker than the bottom (easily seen by lifting some flour with a spoon, and inspecting the contrasting colors between the new dimple and the rest of the surface around it. If very different, the flour should be discarded, even if it doesn't smell all that bad. However, if it is only flour you've got, and you have a widespread curfew/lockdown/famine in the nation, you can gently remove the surface layer by carefully spooning off a little at a time, and recover the flour below. Then you can spread the flour on a ceramic plate, microwave that for a minute or so, and then use a sieve to remove chunks and onwards you may go to whatever you plan to use it for.
I don’t think that’s a problem..If spices are dry they’ll be ok... In future store spices in refrigerator if not using immediately... Refrigerating in airtight container also ensures that the flavour isn’t lost... If we prepare home made powders like Garam masalas, sambar, rasam powders etc at home we keep in fridge and take out smaller quantities in small box for immediate use...so flavour isn’t lost and remains fresh.. fYi I have cardamom, pepper etc stored in freezer..about a year old... Packed cinnamon powder nearing best before date... I take from freezer or fridge and use as and when needed...
not sure about Maida as I don’t use much and buy very small quantity only if needs..I usually refrigerate, then it stays fresh...just inspect the Maida for smell and prescence of pests and decide...
Thank you. I will check those. Besan flour is unopened. I got this pack last year January. I didn't use it at all. I got 2 packs last year. Used only one. One pack is unopened. It's 2lb pack. It was just lying in the pantry for a long time. I have to use those if it's good in this current situation. What about oats and quinoa? Will they have any worms and bad smell? I have both and it's opened pack. I use both. But, I got those packs last year. It's a big pack, got it from Costco. I am still using it. I always check for worms. But that doesn't have any smell. I don't know if I should discard it.
How about red chili powder? Even that hubby had got organic and it is expiring in two months.. Can that be refrigerated?
Store it in freezer . But I will not risk using expired products . You can donate them to Gurudwar before expiry date since they are providing free food to the community
Freeze down your spices and masala powders, both powder and whole. The oils will not go rancid as quickly and they will stay fresh longer. The better solution is to buy smaller packets in future and replenish often so they stay fresh. I get most of my spices from Penzey’s and get the smallest packs of whatever they don’t carry from the Indian store.
If it is smelling a bit I would dry roast it and see if that helps others wise I would throw it as you dont want to have any problems. I have used ragi for making pudla and rice flour I used it up by making chakli. hope this helps