How to properly store semolina so that it does not spoil and become prey for bugs?
Semolina porridge is a dish from childhood. Our memory holds memories of the sweet yellow porridge that we ate with a small spoon from our mother’s hands.
But you can make a lot more from semolina: desserts, for example, puddings, all kinds of casseroles. To prepare all the above-mentioned dishes, the quality of the semolina must be simply the highest. This is not difficult to determine, the main thing is that the packaging is transparent. And then you certainly won’t miss the presence of lumps or bugs, which inevitably arise if semolina is stored incorrectly.
But if storage in warehouses meets all requirements, then at home it should also be appropriate. Which one? Let's try to figure it out.
Temperature conditions and shelf life
To keep semolina in ideal condition, the air temperature in the apartment should not exceed 23 degrees.
Advice
Pay special attention to humidity; it can be as low as 70%. And not at all higher.
If these conditions are met, the cereal can be stored for 7-9 months.
When buying semolina in a store, check the shelf life indicated on the packaging - this is the final period, which is calculated depending on the date of manufacture. During this time, the cereal can be used for food. But if storage conditions are not met, it will become unsuitable for cooking much earlier.
In addition to the temperature regime and shelf life, there is another important point - the container into which to pour the semolina.
Choosing a container for semolina
When you bring cereal home from the supermarket in standard packaging (paper or plastic bag), do not forget to pour it immediately, that is, on the same day.
Semolina is best stored in an airtight container. It can be:
- glass jars with tight lids;
- plastic containers, the lids of which also either snap tightly or screw on;
- clay or ceramic containers, only again hermetically sealed.
Experienced housewives have found another good solution - linen bags with drawstrings. Before using them to store semolina, you need to boil them in a steep saline solution.
Requirements - postscript
Whatever container you choose, you must place it in a dark and dry place. Sunlight will quickly spoil the cereal. And high humidity will cause pests or mold to grow in it.
No matter how well all the above requirements are met, the cereal needs to be checked from time to time - what does it smell and taste like? If lumps begin to form, simply dry the semolina and then sift it. But if it becomes bitter, it means that moths or bugs have chosen it as their delicacy. And the bitterness is caused by the waste of their activities. If they get into baked goods or porridge, they will simply ruin it. This must not be allowed under any circumstances.
There are proven methods:
- bake in the oven immediately after purchasing in the store;
- put it in the freezer for several days immediately after bringing the cereal home as a purchase - these first two steps will help in destroying the larvae;
- Store in the refrigerator at all times if you have space;
- Place a bay leaf or a sheet of foil in the container.
Only by adhering to the tips and requirements can you keep semolina in proper condition and prepare wonderful and tasty dishes from it.