[Elaine G]

I have been given a bag of bread flour that says best before August 2019. So does anything happen to strong flour as it gets older or will it be ok to use. Don’t really want to waste the yeast if it won’t work. Any opinions?

Thanks

Elaine

[mumofstig]

White or w/meal? the latter doesn't keep as well
As long as it doesn't smell sour and you sieve it in case it has any weevils in it, It should be fine...

Remember it's a best before date not an inedible after date - mum always used her flour (bought loose from the grocers sack) 'til it was gone, in the 'old days' before packets with dates on 

Maybe make rolls rather than big loaves, in case they rise a little less

[Elaine G]

Thank you for your advice mumofstig.

The flour is white so I will take your advice and try out some rolls.
I have had weevils before so I will check carefully 

Elaine

[mumofstig]

You don't fancy the extra protein then? 

[DanielCoffey]

One advantage of sieving the flour is that it gets rid of any critters that have spun cocoons as well as any adults. There will always be tiny stuff living in there in small amounts but I just put that under the "peck of dirt" heading and ignore it (like the ocassional greenfly in the salad).

I store my flour in a plastic food box with airtight lid (think tupperware but modern). It keeps the critters out.

Normally plain and strong flours last around a year and wholemeal about half that. You can fairly easily tell if wholemeal is off by the smell. If the strong white smells musty, ditch it. If it smells of nothing, use it.

I would also advise making rolls rather than a loaf as it gives you better control over the results.