How Long Do Poppy Seeds Last? Do They Go Bad?

Poppy seeds are well known for their crunchy texture and amazing flavor.

If you are a baker then you can understand how frequently you use these to make your food alluring.

Not only in bakers but you can also find them in common households.

Many people think that instead of buying small packets a bulk quantity can make seeds more affordable for them.

Thus they buy and keep them in large quantities.

However, it does not save their money instead they lose their flavor because of long-term storage.

Thus they think do poppy seeds go bad?

What are Poppy Seeds?

These are small black kidney-shaped seeds of the poppy plant.

At first, it was found in parts of the traditional Mediterranean and Middle East.

But now these are eaten by people around the world because they provide numerous benefits.

In recipes such as muffins and bagels, these seeds are essential to get the authentic taste.

They have many nutritional properties as they contain protein, carbohydrates, good fats, fiber, calcium, and a lot more which makes them a good dietary supplement.

The seed is higher effective in dealing with vesicoenteric fistula which is an abnormal condition between the bowel and bladder.

The issues related to asthma, cough, and diarrhea can also be treated with the consumption of poppy seeds.

Sleeping disorders like insomnia can also be prevented with the help of them.

How Long Do Poppy Seeds Last? Do Poppy Seeds Go Bad?

These are sold commercially in many stores and shops in packaging.

All the packs have their shelf life written on them and they have a long life.

Therefore one should eat them within the best-before date to enjoy their authentic taste.

However, it is not a hard and fast rule that the seeds cannot be eaten after that date.

If you can provide proper care and store the seeds correctly then the shelf life can be increased conveniently.

For keeping fresh seeds you can use a fridge as it can offer a life of 6 months to them.

For the ones who are not going to use them for a longer period.

They can add them to the freezer to preserve them for more than a year.

However, if you are planning to purchase these in huge quantities then keeping them in the pantry will be the best option.

Because the seeds can be stored in the pantry approximately for 3 to 4 years in dried form.

They are also used in the treatment of diabetes and many other diseases as it contains a pain-relieving compound.

One can make their seeds last beyond the shelf life mentioned earlier with extensive storage.

How to Tell if Poppy Seeds Have Gone Bad?

When you are having these seeds then you must know about the conditions in which they are not good to eat.

If you are unable to identify bad poppy seeds then after consuming them you might face some issues.

Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and irritability are some common problems faced by people.

To avoid them you can use these steps:

• Change in Color .

Poppy seeds are tiny and black-bluish in color.

But once they get affected or get rotten the color will tends to change.

If you are noticing any change in color then they have become worse.

• Crushing Test .

When you are not sure that they are good or bad then you can take some of the seeds and crush them with your hands.

Crushing and rubbing will release the aroma of seeds if you feel the aroma is not similar to before then they have gone bad.

• Flavor Gets Faded.

As time passes the flavor and crunchiness of these will start to decrease.

But in case you are getting a bitter taste instead of a sweet taste.

Then the seeds are not in a condition for consumption.

How to Store Poppy Seeds?

If you are unable to save your seeds and they get rotten after some time whenever you buy them.

Then you should know the right way to store them for a longer time.

Factors like the place of storage, climatic condition, and cleanliness can extend the life of the seeds.

• Place of Storage.

It is crucial to select a place for storage that is cool, dry, and dark.

If you keep the seeds in a place that attracts direct sunlight then the seeds can go bad because of the high temperature.

Also, the seeds must not get in contact with any liquid or water.

Therefore you can keep the seeds in any cupboard.

• Avoid Heat Elements .

Make sure that when you are placing poppy seeds keep them away from heat elements.

Heating elements can make your seeds lose their natural oils.

Excessive heat will break down the oils and they will degrade faster.

The nutty texture will get spoiled and they will feel harsh and bitter.

Conclusion

You need to take care that all the liquid and moisture always keep away to save your seeds.

People think that the original packet of seeds is the best to store them.

However, once the pack is open you should transfer them into an airtight container to save them from all kinds of contamination.

By using the above instructions one can enjoy them more often and for a longer period.

Do not defrost your fridge if you have kept the seeds in the freezer and use them in your cooking instantly.