Seed and nut storage

SpottedLeopard_2

Hi, this is money-saving related - I have just had to throw nearly full bags of seeds and nuts away after discovering insect/beetle things nestling in the folds of packets I had wrapped and sealed with elastic bands!

In some packets the droppings were evident on the outside, in cashew nut packet two live beetles were crawling around! I checked other food packets and rice/lentils/pasta didn't seem affected. Is there a way to prevent this happening again? Will Tuppaware containers keep them out, or can they get in there too? It's only happened in the summer, winter was fine. Feel really sick now, I don't mind bugs but not in my food

iris

I freeze mine and they keep indefinitely.

sarwaa

We have recently had the same problem with larder moths, which I believe came into the house via hamster food (the one you buy using a scoop yourself). They are a real pest (pardon the pun) to get rid of and I found them in all the cupboards and their little coocoons in other rooms too. I threw out all infested food and put things either into plastic containers or used the plastic clips that you buy from ikea to seal bags. So far it has kept the little blighters at bay. I also removed any coocoons or moths using the vacum cleaner (don't like killing things, but also don't like things nesting in my expensive food).

I am sure the freezer is a good option if you have the spare capasity, but alas I don't.

hope this helps

SpottedLeopard_2

Do you have to defrost seeds before eating them, just as you would meat or so?

I live near a lake and there's all sorts of insects buzzing around the kitchen at night *shudders* Thanks for replies, might keep everything in tuppaware and double-bag stuff

Swan_2

I had a beastie problem* & found the only way to definitely keep them out of stuff in the cupboards was to put everything into Lock & Lock type tubs, they'd got into cheap containers, poly bags & past clips as well


*they've been gone a long time now thank goodness

SpottedLeopard_2

A four-piece set for £17 (John Lewis site) for the original L&L containers, they better be good! :eek:
Are some types of food more susceptible than others?

Swan_2

SpottedLeopard wrote: »

A four-piece set for £17 (John Lewis site) for the original L&L containers, they better be good! :eek:
Are some types of food more susceptible than others?

they are expensive, but a lot of places sell their own version & are usually cheaper, I've seen own brand ones in Lakeland & Tesco, Asda too I think & I'm sure I've seen some look alikes in Poundland

as long as they have the silicone seal & the clips they'll do the job, I bought mine gradually, sealing up the more expensive goods first!

I found anything that might have a bit of dust in the bottom of the bag the worst, oats, grains, some pulses & seeds etc

Swan_2

as iris mentioned, freezing's good if you have the space, it's particularly good for nuts or anything with a high oil content as it stops them going rancid

you'd have to defrost nuts & larger seeds, but unless you were making bread I think you'd get away with using the tiny seeds straight away


a good site for Lock & Locks is Spices of India

SpottedLeopard_2

Thanks for all replies, very helpful. Have the insects got in by already being in packets bought from the shop? Or is it just due to living in a place where insects are about? I noticed high oil content foods were affected the most - think I will freeze all the rice/pasta for a week rather than bin it all...

Swan_2

SpottedLeopard wrote: »

Thanks for all replies, very helpful. Have the insects got in by already being in packets bought from the shop? Or is it just due to living in a place where insects are about? I noticed high oil content foods were affected the most - think I will freeze all the rice/pasta for a week rather than bin it all...

there's been at least one thread about how, when & where insects get into packets & what attracts them over on the Old Style board I'll see if I can find a specific link for you

yes, freezing sounds like a good idea I hope you don't lose too much of your storecupboard


this thread's about flour, but I think a lot of the advice would apply to storing other goods too

LadyDee

The 99p shop sells their version of the Lock & Lock boxes and I use them for everything. Not had any bugs in anything and liquid doesn't spill so I'm sure they're as good as the very expensive versions. Perhaps they don't last quite so long, but I've had some of mine for ages and they still do the job.