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  3. Rice, grains, beans and pasta
  4. Quinoa

How long does quinoa last?

Uncooked quinoa keeps 2 to 3 years in the pantry from purchase. Cooked quinoa keeps 6 to 7 days in the fridge, according to FoodKeeper, and 6 to 12 months in the freezer.

FoodFridgeFreezerPantry
Uncooked quinoa——2–3 yearsfrom purchase
Cooked quinoa6–7 days6–12 months—

Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.

How to tell if quinoa has gone bad

  • Uncooked: a rancid or musty smell, insects or clumps from moisture.
  • Cooked: a sour smell, slimy texture or mold.
  • Cooked quinoa that has been out of the fridge for more than 2 hours.

How to store quinoa

  • Keep uncooked quinoa in an airtight container in a cool, dry cupboard.
  • Cool cooked quinoa quickly, spread on a tray, and refrigerate it within 2 hours in a sealed container.
  • Rinse uncooked quinoa before cooking to remove its bitter coating, unless the package says it's pre-rinsed.

Can you freeze quinoa?

Yes, cooked quinoa freezes very well for 6 to 12 months. Freeze it flat in portions in freezer bags and reheat it from frozen in the microwave or a pan with a splash of water.

Questions

How long does cooked quinoa last in the fridge?

6 to 7 days, according to FoodKeeper, in a sealed container, if it was refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking.

Can you eat quinoa after the best-by date?

Usually yes, if it's dry, shows no insects and smells normal. Older quinoa may taste a little stale.

Can you eat cold quinoa?

Yes, in salads, as long as it was cooled quickly and kept in the fridge.

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Related foods

  • Cooked riceFridge: 4–6 days
  • Dried beansPantry: 1–2 years
  • OatsPantry: 12 months

More in rice, grains, beans and pasta

Storage times: USDA FoodKeeper (Food Safety and Inspection Service), public domain. Text by ShelfLife.

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