Sunflower seeds are used in snack bars, multigrain bread or even as a snack for when you are on the go and don’t have anything else at hand.
The little seeds are packed full of goodies like healthy fats, proteins and minerals, making them a healthy and fulfilling treat.
Not the mention the fact that they reduce the risk of inflammation and heart disease, as pointed out by Healthline.
A problem a lot of people face is with their usage. These seeds are excellent for birds and snacking, but other than that, they are not quite as usable as something like almonds, walnuts or chestnuts, all of which make better snacks.
Hence, it might be a bit hard to instantly use them, even more so if you have bought them in bulk.
If you have a bundle of these seeds, you might be wondering, do sunflower seeds go bad? We are here to answer this question for you.
Do Sunflower Seeds Go Bad? How Long Does Sunflower Seeds Last?
Sunflower seeds do go bad and don’t last long in the pantry but remain great for a long time if you want to freeze them. That being said, raw sunflower seeds usually last for:
- 2-3 months in the pantry
- About 1 year in the fridge or freezer
On the other hand, roasted sunflower seeds last for:
- 3-4 months in the pantry
- Over a year in the fridge or freezer
Roasted seeds last longer due to their lack of moisture. As moisture is the main factor leading to mold in oily foods, decreasing the moisture content by roasting can increase the shelf life.
Sunflower seeds don’t last long in the pantry in any form and have the shortest Best By date compared to similar seeds such as flax seeds, sesame seeds or chia seeds.
This is a stark difference compared to the stellar shelf life of sunflower oil, which is about 2 years.
Keep in mind that while sunflower seeds may last longer after being frozen, the taste degrades over time.
The seeds may look completely fine, but the taste would become far more generic and bland by the time they have gone completely bad.
How to Tell If Sunflower Seeds are Bad? Sunflower Seeds Shelf Life!
The signs for spoiled sunflower seeds are not as apparent as other edibles, but you can spot them with a keen eye. According to The Spruce, these include:
- Growth of mold
- Presence of insects
- Difference in aroma
- Bland taste
The appearance of mold is especially true for seeds with high oil content such as sunflower seeds.
Hence, keeping them in a cool place away from heat and moisture is a must. Keep in mind that these seeds have great freezing potential, which comes in handy if you want some more oomph out of your seeds.
As always, the taste test holds supreme. Just pop a seed in your mouth and taste if it is still worth eating.
If you feel something amiss, no need to take any health risks; just toss the seeds.
Do Sunflower Seeds Go Bad? How Long Does Sunflower Seeds Last?
Ingredients
- Sunflower seeds
- Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
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