Hemp Food Storage Recommendations
The shelf life of hemp foods can be extended by following proper procedures for storing.
Once nature’s package (the hull) is removed from the seed, its natural protection from light and oxygen is gone, leaving the seed to go rancid quickly unless it is vacuum-packed or stored properly.
Hemp foods should be stored in dark packaging and in a cool, dark place.
Any hemp food, including oil, is best frozen to extend shelf life. The greatest destructive agent is light because it produces free radicals in oils. Oxygen is the major cause of rancidity.
How to Store Hemp Food Products Properly
A Few Common Questions About Hemp Food Storage
The following are approximate recommendations for properly storing hemp foods:
Because there are a few ways that hemp seeds can be eaten there are different recommendations based on the hemp foods you’re storing.
For example whole untreated hemp seeds can last up to 2 years whereas a freshly made hemp seed milk at home might only last about a week.
So in the following answers we’ve provided the most common hemp food storage questions and recommendations.
24 months – Hemp seeds have a pretty hard shell so they can last a good while. Keep in mind if exposed to heat or direct sunlight they can go rancid faster.
12-18 months – Since the hard outer shell has been removed the inner hemp heart meat is exposed to oxygen more. So in this case it’s easier for them to go rancid or spoil faster. But if you keep them refrigerated or in the freezer they will last quite a while.
12 months – 18 months – For true cold-pressed extra virgin hemp seed oil from day of pressing, if sealed and kept cold in an oxygen free environment.
9-12 months – for hemp ice cream, if kept frozen. Check with whatever brand you are buying to make sure.
6-12 months – for hemp seed bars, or other products that have been prepared raw or cooked at low temperatures for a short period of time, store in a cold, dark place.
1-3 months – depending on the product most baked goods with hemp in them can last a few months, especially if stored properly in a cool dark dry environment away from sun or extreme temperature changes.
- 5-7 days – for freshly baked hemp flour-based breads or muffins and whatnot.
6-12 months – for roasted or toasted hemp seeds, but the fresher the better.
Homemade Hemp Milk:
For fresh homemade hemp milk about 3-7 days – for freshly produced and untreated hemp milk.
Store-bought Hemp Milk
Usually lasts about 3-6 months, but check the packaging for an expiration date.
The shelf life of hemp seeds depends on several factors, including storage temperature and humidity. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature away from direct sunlight.
If stored properly, hemp seeds will stay fresh for up to two years. However, they should not be left out in the open where they might become contaminated by insects or mold.
You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two years, but make sure to keep them away from light and moisture.
If you’re storing your hemp seeds in an airtight container, you should keep them in the fridge for up to two years.
However, you should also make sure not to expose them to too much light or moisture.
