Instructions: While cleaning out my cupboards, I found several different kinds of flour.

How long does flour keep? It depends on the flour. Flour does not spoil in an obvious way. It can lose moisture or absorb moisture from the air, affecting the taste and texture of your baked goods. Check the package for a "use by" date. According the General Mills Consumer Services phone line, all-purpose flour and bread flour keep up to 18 months, self-rising flour for 10 months and whole-wheat flour 6 months. Because whole-wheat flour contains fat from the bran, it can turn rancid and taste bitter if stored too long. Also, self-rising flour has leavening agents that deteriorate over time. To extend the life of whole-wheat, all-purpose and bread flour, store in a moisture- and vapor-proof container and refrigerate or freeze. They should keep several months longer. General Mills does not recommend freezing self-rising flour, as it does not prolong its shelf life. When using flour for baking, always bring it to room temperature in the sealed container/bag to properly restore its moisture.

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