Quinoa has become an increasingly popular ingredient in recent years due to its stellar nutritional profile. It’s packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and various beneficial plant compounds. However, like any food, quinoa has a shelf life. If stored improperly or kept for too long, it can spoil and become unsafe to eat.
Luckily, there are several simple ways to determine if your quinoa has gone bad. This article will cover how to store quinoa properly, signs that quinoa has spoiled, what spoiled quinoa looks, smells and tastes like, and how long quinoa lasts when stored properly.
Proper Storage of Quinoa
To get the longest shelf life out of your quinoa, proper storage is key. Here are some tips for storing quinoa:
- Store quinoa in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The pantry is ideal.
- Once opened, transfer quinoa to a container with an airtight lid. This prevents humidity and bugs from getting in.
- Don’t wash quinoa until right before cooking. Washing removes the bitter saponin coating but also removes compounds that protect against rancidity.
- Check the expiration or best by date on the packaging and aim to use by that date.
- Store quinoa away from odorous foods as it can absorb other smells.
Following these tips will ensure your quinoa stays fresh for as long as possible.
How to Tell if Quinoa is Bad – Signs of Spoilage
If you didn’t store your quinoa properly or kept it for too long, there are several clear signs indicating it has gone bad:
Appearance
- Mold – Mold spores produce visible fuzzy or cottony colored growth on old quinoa. If you see mold, throw the quinoa away.
- Discoloration – Fresh quinoa is beige, ivory or yellow in color. If it has turned brown, grey or black, it has likely oxidized and spoiled.
- Shriveled grains – Quinoa grains normally look like little beads. Shriveling is a sign of drying out.
- Clumping – Quinoa grains should move freely. They may start clumping together as they degrade.
Smell
- Rotten odor – Spoiled quinoa gives off a distinctly stale, musty or rotten smell.
- Vinegar-like – Quinoa may start to smell sour or vinegary as it ferments and breaks down.
- Ammonia-like – A nail polish remover type smell indicates bacterial activity and spoilage.
Flavor
- Bitter – Quinoa contains bitter-tasting saponins. As it goes bad, these become far more pronounced.
- Sour – A sharp, tangy sour flavor is another sign your quinoa has spoiled.
If your quinoa exhibits any of these signs, it’s best to throw it out. Do not taste quinoa that you suspect may be spoiled.
What Spoiled Quinoa Looks, Smells and Tastes Like
To summarize, here’s what spoiled quinoa typically looks, smells and tastes like:
Appearance
- Moldy, fuzzy growth
- Darkened, dull color
- Shriveled, dried out
- Clumping together
Smell
- Stale, musty
- Vinegary, acidic
- Ammonia-like
Flavor
- Intensely bitter
- Sour
So inspect your quinoa carefully before cooking. Any of these signs means it’s time to throw it out and purchase a fresh package.
How Long Does Quinoa Last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry, quinoa can last:
- Uncooked quinoa: 1 year past the printed date on the package.
- Cooked quinoa: 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
The printed expiration date is usually about 1 year from when it was packaged. This takes into account the harvest date, processing, shipping, and accounts for peak freshness. However, your home storage conditions may shorten or extend this timeframe.
Once cooked, quinoa should be eaten within 3 to 5 days, kept refrigerated in an airtight container. Make sure leftovers are reheated thoroughly before eating.
Freezing can greatly extend quinoa’s shelf life. Cooked quinoa can be frozen for 2 to 3 months before quality starts to decline.
Best Practices to Keep Quinoa Fresh
Here are some extra tips for extending the shelf life of quinoa:
- Purchase quinoa from stores with good product turnover to get the freshest grains.
- Check packaging dates and use the oldest first.
- Limit exposure to air, light and moisture by sealing it in airtight containers.
- Keep quinoa dry by storing in moisture-proof containers.
- Buy smaller packages if you don’t use quinoa often to limit air exposure.
- Rinse quinoa right before cooking to maximize freshness.
- Use clean utensils and cookware when preparing quinoa to prevent contamination.
- Cook only the amount needed and refrigerate leftovers promptly in shallow airtight containers.
Following basic food safety practices helps minimize the risk of quinoa going bad prematurely.
What to Do With Spoiled Quinoa
If despite your best efforts, you discover your quinoa has spoiled, do not eat it. Here are some safe ways to discard it:
- Throw it in the trash – Place spoiled quinoa in a sealed bag before throwing it in the trash to contain the smell.
- Bury it – Small amounts of quinoa can be buried in your garden as compost.
- Compost it – Add quinoa to a compost heap or bin if available. Follow composting best practices.
- Dispose down the drain – Running water can help wash quinoa down the drain and prevent clogging.
Never taste food that smells or looks spoiled, even just to confirm it has gone bad. Err on the side of caution and throw it out.
How to Prevent Quinoa From Going Bad
You can avoid having to throw out spoiled quinoa by taking these simple precautions:
- Store quinoa in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.
- Rinse quinoa right before cooking to wash away any debris or dust.
- Inspect quinoa for any signs of moisture, mold, foul odors or insect infestation.
- Use quinoa by the best by date on the packaging.
- Cook only the amount of quinoa needed for a meal.
- Refrigerate cooked quinoa within 1 hour and use within 3 to 5 days.
- Reheat quinoa thoroughly until steaming hot before eating.
- Freeze extra cooked quinoa in airtight containers for longer term storage.
Following basic food storage guidelines and proper handling practices can keep quinoa fresher for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can quinoa sit out?
Raw quinoa should not sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Cooked quinoa should be refrigerated within 1 hour. Leaving it out too long increases the risk of spoilage and foodborne illness.
Can you get sick from eating spoiled quinoa?
Yes, eating spoiled quinoa can make you sick. It can contain dangerous levels of bacteria like Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and various molds that can cause food poisoning symptoms.
Can spoiled quinoa make you vomit?
Consuming contaminated quinoa can definitely cause vomiting. The harmful bacteria release toxins that irritate the stomach and instigate the vomiting reflex.
What bacteria causes quinoa to spoil?
The main bacteria that can grow on stale quinoa are Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus. Mold and yeast overgrowth will also cause spoilage.
Is it OK to eat quinoa past the expiration date?
It’s generally not recommended to eat quinoa more than 1 year past the printed expiration or best by date. However, if it was stored properly in a cool, dry pantry, it may last a little beyond a year.
Can you eat quinoa that smells a little off?
No, do not eat quinoa with any off smells. A slightly musty, sour or rotten odor likely means spoilage bacteria are present. When in doubt, throw it out.
Does cooking quinoa kill bacteria?
Thorough cooking will kill most bacteria present in quinoa. However cooking cannot remove toxins that bacteria release, so always discard quinoa that smells or looks suspicious.
Can old quinoa hurt dogs?
Yes, dogs should not eat quinoa that is moldy, sour smelling or past its expiration. Spoiled quinoa can potentially cause vomiting, diarrhea, paralysis and other problems in dogs if ingested.
Conclusion
Quinoa is a nutritious grain with a relatively long shelf life. With proper storage in a cool, dry place, it can last up to 1 year past its printed best by date before going bad. Signs that quinoa has spoiled include mold, foul odors, weird textures and bitter or sour taste. Spoiled quinoa can harbor dangerous bacteria and should be discarded. Following good food safety practices helps keep quinoa fresher for longer.
