Ways to preserve flour
When flour kept in the kitchen starts getting affected by mites or small insects over time, it becomes a big problem. It is essential to store dry ration properly especially during summer and humid season. Bay leaves are used as a simple home remedy to preserve flour for a longer period of time.
The pungent scent of bay leaves is used in many home remedies to keep away pantry pests. However, this is not considered a solid scientific solution to protect against mites. Therefore, storing flour properly is also extremely important.
How to keep bay leaves in flour container?
If you want to use bay leaves, you can add some dried bay leaves to the flour container. It is advisable to replace the leaves if their fragrance diminishes over time.
If you are concerned about the smell of the bay leaf getting into the dough, it can be placed on the inside of the lid or on the side of the container rather than directly into the dough. This will prevent the bay leaves from coming in direct contact with the flour.
Can the taste of flour change?
There may be a slight aroma in the flour when kept with bay leaves, but generally this does not cause any major change in the taste of the flour. However, if you are sensitive to its smell, it would be better to keep the bay leaves separate from the flour.
You can put the flour in a tightly sealed bag, place it in an airtight container and place the bay leaves on the side or lid of the container.
Why can insects stay away from the smell of bay leaves?
Bay leaves contain many aromatic compounds and essential oils, including eucalyptol, which has been linked to insect repellent properties in some studies.
However, scientific evidence regarding the effects of bay leaves on weevils and other pantry insects is limited. So it is better to view it as an additional household measure rather than a main security measure.
Bay leaf alone is not enough
If weevils or insects are already present in the flour, simply adding bay leaves will not solve the problem. In such a situation, it is necessary to separate the infected flour from other rations. Also, that place and container should be cleaned thoroughly.
Also check other dry items kept in the kitchen like dal, rice, semolina and spices from time to time, as pantry pests can move from one food item to another.
Always keep flour in an airtight container
The most important way to preserve flour is to store it in an airtight container. After opening the packet, transfer the flour to a well-sealed glass or food-grade plastic container instead of keeping it in the same packaging for a long time.
The lid of the box should be closed properly, so that moisture and insects cannot reach inside.
Cleaning the storage area is also important
Keeping the container clean is not enough to protect flour from insects. The shelf or cabinet where flour is stored should not be free of fallen flour, cereal grains or small pieces of food.
If insects are seen in any old packet, immediately separate it from the rest of the ration and clean the storage area.
Keep these things in mind with home remedies
Bay leaf can be a simple home remedy to protect flour from insects, but it is not right to depend completely on it. Airtight containers, dry place, regular cleaning and periodic checking of old rations are more important.
If the flour already contains large numbers of weevils or other insects, it is better to separate it safely rather than use it. With these precautions bay leaves can be used as an additional home remedy for storing flour.