How do you protect flour from insects?

Move it into an airtight container as soon as it is opened and keep it dry. A bay leaf in the container is an effective traditional repellent against weevils.

How long do ground spices keep?

Six months to a year for most of their aroma, several years with no safety risk. Whole spices last three to four times longer than ground ones.

No, pure sugar does not expire as long as it stays dry. Humidity can turn it into a solid block, which raises no consumption issue.

Flour, sugar, pasta and spices

Dry goods cover everything that stores for a long time without refrigeration: flour, sugar, pasta, pulses and spices.

These are the products where format changes the price per kilo the most. A 25 kg sack of flour often works out at half the price of a one-kilo pack, which justifies buying in bulk when storage allows.

Spices are the exception and are best bought in small amounts: their aroma fades within months once the sachet is open, unlike flour or sugar which stay stable for years when dry.

Frequently asked questions

How do you protect flour from insects?: Move it into an airtight container as soon as it is opened and keep it dry. A bay leaf in the container is an effective traditional repellent against weevils.
How long do ground spices keep?: Six months to a year for most of their aroma, several years with no safety risk. Whole spices last three to four times longer than ground ones.
Can sugar go off?: No, pure sugar does not expire as long as it stays dry. Humidity can turn it into a solid block, which raises no consumption issue.