Dry foods such as pasta and rice are brilliant store cupboard foods that allow you to create a multitude
of fantastic, tasty meals quickly and easily. If they’re stored correctly they can last an incredibly long
time. However, incorrect storage can result in your dry foods spoiling prematurely. We’ve put together
this short guide to help you store dry foods safely and efficiently:
• Use an airtight container: The moisture in the air can impair the quality of your dried foods
in storage. Bacteria and mould thrive in moist, warm conditions and are the enemies of food.
Using an airtight container will help to keep moist air away from dried foods, thus improving
their shelf life.
• Store in a cool place: As mentioned above, heat and moisture can cause bacteria and mould
to grow on your dry food so it’s important to store it in a cool place so as to eliminate the heat
element. Kitchen cupboards should keep your food cool enough, but try to avoid storing your
dried foods in a cupboard close to your hob or oven as the heat could radiate out and warm the
air in the cupboard.
• Store in a dark place: Sunlight can cause dried foods to deteriorate in quality and colour so it’s
important to store them somewhere dark such as a cupboard or larder. Of course, as per the
points above, ensure that the dark storage area is also cool and dry too.
• Rotate your food: Dried food stored in a cool, dry, dark place will keep well for up to a year or
more in most cases but it is best eaten within that. Make sure you label and rotate your dried
food to ensure that you are eating it whilst it is at its best.
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• Beware of pests: If you are storing large packs of dried foods ensure that they are at least
6 inches off the floor and not pressed up against walls. This will protect them from the
condensation that can run down walls, and elevating them off the floor will offer some
protection from pests and vermin that could try helping themselves to your food supply.