Flax seeds, also known as linseeds, are small brown or golden colored seeds that come from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). Flax seeds are highly nutritious, being a great source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, manganese, and lignans. However, like any food, flax seeds can go rancid if not stored properly. Rancid flax seeds have an unpleasant odor and altered taste, and are potentially unsafe to eat.
What causes flax seeds to go rancid?
Flax seeds contain oils that are sensitive to heat, light, and exposure to oxygen. Exposure to these conditions causes the oils in flax seeds to oxidize and become rancid. Rancidity is a chemical change in the oils that produces unpleasant odors and flavors. Specifically, the omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in flax seeds is prone to oxidation. Enzymes called lipases in the seeds can also cause rancidity by breaking down the oils when moisture is present. Once flax seeds go rancid, the chemical changes cannot be reversed.
How can you prevent flax seeds from going rancid?
To extend the shelf life of flax seeds and prevent rancidity, it is important to store them properly:
– Keep flax seeds in an airtight container or bag. Oxygen exposure speeds up rancidity.
– Store flax seeds in a cool, dark place. Heat and light accelerate oil oxidation.
– Refrigerate or freeze flax seeds for long-term storage. Cold temperatures slow chemical reactions.
– Buy flax seeds from stores with good product turnover to ensure freshness.
– Inspect packages for a “packed-on” or expiration date and best-by information.
– Smell flax seeds when opening a new package to check for rancidity.
Following proper storage methods, whole flax seeds can last for around 4-6 months at room temperature. Flax seed meal usually lasts for about 3 months. Refrigerating or freezing can prolong freshness and prevent rancidity for 1-2 years. Pre-ground flax seeds spoil more quickly than whole seeds.
What Does Rancid Flax Seed Smell Like?
Rancid flax seeds have a very distinct, unpleasant smell caused by the oxidized oils. The rancid odor is described in several ways:
Sharp, Nuts, or Fishy
Flax seeds have a mellow, earthy aroma when fresh. Rancid flax seeds smell sharper and more pungent. The odor is often compared to rancid walnuts or spoiled fish. This is caused by oxidized ALA fatty acids and other volatile compounds.
Paint-like, Varnish, or Solvent
Extremely rancid flax seeds may smell like oil paints, varnish, turpentine, or other chemicals. This odor comes from oxidized lipids breaking down into smaller compounds like aldehydes, ketones, and short-chain hydrocarbons.
Old Cooking Oil
The oxidized oils in rancid flax seeds also smell similar to old, stale cooking oils. You may notice a greasy, fatty scent reminiscent of spoiled vegetable oil.
Pungent and Unpleasant
Overall, the smell of rancid flax seeds is best described as sharp, pungent, and very unpleasant. It is a stale, foul, offensive odor that is distinct and easily noticeable. Even a small amount of rancidity makes flax seeds smell “off” and undesirable.
How to Tell if Flax Seeds Are Rancid
Here are some simple ways to evaluate if your flax seeds have gone bad and become rancid:
Odor
Sniff the flax seeds. Rancid seeds have a sharp nutty, fishy, paint-like, or generally unpleasant smell. Fresh flax seeds have an earthy, plant-like aroma. Any “off” odors indicate spoiled, oxidized oils.
Visual Cues
Look for visible signs of rancidity. Rancid flax seeds may be darker in color. They may also appear shiny, gummy, or slimy from oxidized oils leaking out. You may see clumping or stickiness. Mold growth may be present in severely rancid seeds.
Taste
Taste a small amount of flax seeds. Rancid seeds taste bitter, metallic, or soapy. The flavor is sharp and pungent versus the mellow, nutty taste of fresh flax. Any bitterness, staleness, or “off” flavors means seeds are unfit to eat.
Storage Conditions
Consider how long the flax seeds have been stored, if they were kept past expiration dates, and whether they were stored in cool/dry conditions. Long or improper storage increases chances of rancidity.
Expiration Date
Check package dates. The “packed-on” date or expiration date offers guidance on expected freshness. Flax seeds stored beyond recommended timeframes have a higher risk of spoilage.
Rancid flax seeds are not suitable for consumption, so always rely on your senses of smell, sight, and taste to determine if your flax seeds have spoiled before eating them. Discard any rancid seeds.
Health Risks of Eating Rancid Flax Seeds
It is unsafe to eat flax seeds that have gone rancid. Potential health risks include:
Food Poisoning
Rancid fats can contain harmful compounds that cause food poisoning symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain if consumed.
Inflammation
Oxidized lipids may trigger inflammatory responses in the body and chronic inflammation.
Free Radicals
Rancid oils generate harmful free radicals that damage cells in the body and cause oxidative stress.
Toxic Effects
Breakdown products from lipid oxidation like aldehydes, peroxides, and ketones have toxic and carcinogenic effects in animal studies. Their effects in humans require more research.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Nutrient loss occurs in rancid seeds, especially vitamin E, an antioxidant. Eating rancid flax may provide fewer health benefits.
Overall, rancid flax seeds contain compounds potentially hazardous to health that form during spoilage. Consuming rancid seeds is not recommended. Any signs of spoilage mean flax seeds should be discarded.
Nutrition Differences in Rancid vs. Fresh Flax Seeds
Besides unpleasant flavors and aromas, rancidity also negatively impacts the nutritional value of flax seeds:
Vitamin E
One of the most significant nutrient changes is a loss of vitamin E. Flax seeds are a rich source of vitamin E. But this antioxidant nutrient depletes rapidly during rancidity.
Omega-3s
Levels of healthy omega-3 fatty acids like ALA decrease with rancidity as these fragile oils oxidize into compounds that may be harmful.
Fiber
Fiber content is not directly affected by rancidity. However, some fiber losses can occur if molds grow on severely spoiled flax seeds.
Lignans
Lignans are phytonutrients in flax with antioxidant properties. Limited evidence shows lower lignan levels in rancid versus fresh flax.
Protein
Flax seed protein appears to remain fairly stable during rancidity. But proteins may become mildly degraded or cross-linked.
Minerals
Mineral content like magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus are generally retained and do not deplete during rancidity of flax seeds.
Overall, rancid flax seeds lose key nutrients like vitamin E and omega-3s and are much less nutritious than fresh flax seeds stored properly.
Tips for Using Fresh Flax Seeds
Here are some tips for safely using and consuming fresh, non-rancid flax seeds:
– Inspect packages for signs of moisture, clumping, expiration dates, and any rancid odors. Reject rancid seeds.
– If buying in bulk, request frequent turnover of inventory and check for freshness.
– Grind small batches of flax seeds as needed instead of pre-grinding large amounts.
– Keep flax seed meal refrigerated or frozen in air-tight containers and use within 3 months.
– When baking, substitute 1 egg for 1 tablespoon of flax seed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water.
– Add ground flax to yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, muffins, breads, cereals, and salads.
– Consume milled flax within a few days for maximum nutrition, or refrigerate.
– Eat flax seeds within the first year of purchase for best freshness and nutritional value.
– Monitor storage conditions like temperature, moisture, air exposure, and light to prevent rancidity.
Taking these precautions helps ensure your flax seeds retain their nutritional benefits and avoids the unpleasant flavors and potential risks of rancid flax seeds. Always rely on your senses to determine safety and freshness.
Conclusion
Rancid flax seeds have a very sharp, offensive odor often described as fishy, nutty, paint-like, or similar to stale oils. Visible signs like changes in color, clumping, gumminess, or molds provide warning that flax seeds have spoiled. Consumption of rancid seeds poses health risks and provides less nutrition. Toxic breakdown products, loss of omega-3s and vitamin E, and fewer health benefits characterize rancid versus fresh flax seeds. Following proper storage methods, inspection for freshness, and adhering to use-by dates can prevent rancidity. Rely on your senses of smell, taste, and sight to determine if your flax seeds are too rancid to eat. Being cautious helps avoid the dangers of consuming these spoiled seeds.
