Sunflower seeds are an underrated snack filled with health benefits. But it’s easy to forget that you bought some and just throw it aside.
Maybe you wanted to try them out, bought a bag that’s been hanging in your pantry for a long time, and now you’re wondering: Have my sunflower seeds gone bad?
You probably think that sunflower seeds seem pretty durable, and you’d be right.
In summary: sunflower seeds may last 2-3 months after the best-by date found on the packaging. In the fridge, the shelf-life is lengthened to a year after the best-by date.
How To Tell If Your Sunflower Seeds Have Spoiled
It is often difficult to tell whether sunflower seeds have gone bad due to their natural dryness. But if they are exposed to oxygen, the natural oils will begin to break down, causing a rancid smell. Once this happens, toss out your sunflower seeds.
Another sign is an off-taste. If the smell is okay, but your sunflower seeds taste sour, get rid of them.
It is very unlikely that mold will develop on your sunflower seeds but if it does, make sure you don’t consume them.
Storing Sunflower Seeds
Here’s the deal with storage when it comes to sunflower seeds. Keeping your sunflower seeds at room temperature in the pantry works well if you plan on getting to them in the next few months. Provided it is kept dry and away from light sources.
However, let’s say you bought some sunflower seeds in bulk, and you’d like to keep them fresh for a longer period of time. This is when you should store them in the fridge, sealed tightly in a container. The coolness prevents the seeds from turning rancid.
How Long Do Sunflower Seeds Last?
The best bet for knowing how long sunflower seeds last is to check the best-by date. This is not an expiry date, but it will give you a good idea about how long the quality of your sunflower seeds will last.
If your packet of sunflower seeds remains unopened and is kept in the pantry, they should still be good two months after the best-by date. However, if unopened sunflower seeds are kept in the fridge, this lifespan significantly increases. They will last up to 12 months after the best-by date.
What about sunflower seeds that have been opened or bought in bulk? Well, the storage times are pretty much the same. They will last 2-3 months after the best-by date at room temperature or up to 12 months after the best-by date in the fridge.
Remember: store your sunflower seeds correctly to ensure their quality is kept fresh for longer.
The Bottom Line
Sunflower seeds contain so much nutritional goodness in a little seed. They are rich in B-complex vitamins, vitamin E, iron, magnesium, and calcium.
These seeds last a long time if stored properly, especially when kept in the fridge. So enjoy your sunflower seeds chilled in order to retain freshness.
