Milled Flax Seed

Preserving milled flax seed

As long as a flax seed is protected by its durable out shell, it can be stored for long periods of time without loosing its nutritional value. It is actually possible for whole flax seeds to grow even after being consumed and passed through the digestive tract of a human. As soon as you open up the protective shell, e.g. by grounding or milling the flax seed, it will however start to go rancid because oxygen is let in.

By milled flax seed from a reputable manufacturer that tries to limit the exposure to oxygen as much as possible. Some manufacturers will for instance mill one package at a time, instead of milling a large heap of flax seed and leave it to oxidize before it is finally placed in containers. There are also a few manufacturers who use a special type of mill that slices the seeds rather than crushing or grinding them. The slicing process is believed to reduce the risk of having your milled flax seeds turn rancid in no time.
Milled flax seed should always be kept in light proof, air tight containers. Preferably buy vacuum packed milled flax seed, since oxygen is what makes milled flax seed go rancid.
Only buy small quantities of milled flax seed and use them shortly after opening up the package. Even if you keep your milled flax seed in an air tight container, it will be exposed to oxygen each time you open the jar.
If you have to store milled flax seed, place it in a cool place without any direct sunlight. The refrigerator is ideal.
Flax seed should have a fresh and nutty flavor. If milled flax seed tastes acrid or fishy, it has most likely turned rancid.
The easiest method is of course to ground or mill your own flax seeds. By getting a coffee grinder or flax seed mini-mill, you can prepare no more milled flax seed than what you need for each recipe.

Milled flax seed vs. flax seed meal

Milled flax seed and flax seed meal are two completely different things. Milled flax seeds are whole milled flax seeds with high oil content. Flax seed meal is a de-fatted byproduct of flax seed oil production.

Cold milled flax seed

Cold milled flax seed are preferred by many consumers, since high temperatures impact the flax seed oil. You may be familiar with the concept from olive oil; cold pressured olive oil is generally of a higher quality compared to other types of olive oil.

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Information about milled flax seeds