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.
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncooked quinoa | — | — | 2–3 yearsfrom purchase |
| Cooked quinoa | 6–7 days | 6–12 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.
Add cooked grains to ShelfLife when you put them away.
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Storage times: USDA FoodKeeper (Food Safety and Inspection Service), public domain. Text by ShelfLife.