Milled Flax Seed

[stolly]

I bought a box of Milled Flax Seed by Hodgson Mill about 1-2 months ago, but haven't gotten around to using it. Since then I've seen a few threads recommending to grind your own meal, or to be sure it's a fresh box. It looks like the expiration date on the box is 5/2/09, and it says to refrigerate after opening. It's from our regular grocery store, so I have no idea how often they restock it. Do you think this is ok to use, or should I buy a coffee grinder and mill my own (and hope we like it!)? Thanks

[BRUMI1968]

Is it open? If not, you can open it (I assume it's air sealed) and use it promptly. You're better off griding your own though, because it goes rancid which is tough on your intestines - causes inflammation. I've had flax that was turning - you can taste it.

However, it's hard to find unmilled AND not in the bulk section. I don't know how strongly you react -- I don't buy anything from bulk that I can't wash. Flax would be very hard to wash and rinse and let dry because it makes a mucus coating when it gets wet.

[Ivanna44]

I bought a box of Milled Flax Seed by Hodgson Mill about 1-2 months ago, but haven't gotten around to using it. Since then I've seen a few threads recommending to grind your own meal, or to be sure it's a fresh box. It looks like the expiration date on the box is 5/2/09, and it says to refrigerate after opening. It's from our regular grocery store, so I have no idea how often they restock it. Do you think this is ok to use, or should I buy a coffee grinder and mill my own (and hope we like it!)? Thanks

Hi stolly date,

Flaxseed is an excellent protein source it contains 20 grams of protein per 100 grams (just under 1/2 cup). Not to mention, essential fatty acids, 45.6 grams of dietary fibre per cup, and many other health benefits too numerous to mention. On a comparive note: Whole wheat flour contains 14.6 grams of Dietary Fibre per cup.

As most of us forget when we go gluten-free due to doctor orders or self diagnoses reasons, we tend to look for carbs to replace the breads etc. Gluten is a protein which acts like the glue/binding form that holds breads together, which just happens to be found naturally in wheat, barley, spelt so on. But, I'm sure you already knew that.

If you have not tried flaxseed use the package you have now. Start with a small amount, sprinkle like pepper on a salad, on hot gluten-free cereal, or add just a tsp. at first to some of your fav. gluten-free baked goods. I personally can not taste it when I add it to things, like the salad, and the baked goods. Last week I made a coffee cake and added it to the topping part of the coffee cake (aka. made it a good for you treat.

Due to the high fibre content of it is best to start by adding in small amounts. But, again it is a fantastic source for replacing protein needs and adding deitary fibre to your meals. It has 7.5 grams of iron per one cup too, and more Essetinial Fatty Acids than most pill forms. In other words It's PACKED!!!

Shelf life of the flaxseed (ground) varies, depending on the recommendations of the manufactuer, it is best to follow the package guidelines. Once opened the ground flaxseed needs to refrigerated. Depending on the manufactuer, the fridge life can be 2 weeks to 45 days (I bought some GNC ground flaxseed- fridge life, once opened is 45 days)... As they are often sold in 1 pound package. That's a lot of flaxseed to use in a short time. Especially if you do Not bake often, or think to add it to things like chilli's etc.

I myself am considering buying a coffee grinder and grinding up in 1 cup amounts, to keep in the fridge for 2 odd weeks. The whole seed prior to milled stages seems to last longer with the shelf/freezer life.

I hope these sites below will help with any further questions.

Thanks goes to Wonka for this link

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This site below has some great ideas for flaxseed in the recipes area. Keep in mind to replace the GLUTEN sources with gluten-free replacements. Who would ever think of adding ground flaxseed to their mock gluten-free Rice Krispie squares, to boost up the nutritional levels, and a sneeky way of giving the kids something good for them too

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Hope that helps