Would you use flour past it's bb date?

[TragicallyHip]

Just bought a bag of bread flour from Morrision's for 25p!

Thought I might go buy a few more but the best before date is Jan, would it be ok for next month?

Thanks [bsmile]

Best before dates are really only rough guidelines (unlike 'use by' for perishables) - as long as you store flour (or other dry foods) somewhere dry and where no weevils or whatever get it, it should be fine way past the best before date.

Yes of course.

I assume it hasn't got weevils or anything.

I hope there are no weevils! [bshock]

I don't normally go by bb dates but wasn't too sure about flour. Have only just started to make my own soda bread.

Thanks, I shall go buy more!

I once used out of date bread flour and the bread didn't rise properly. Why not try one loaf before you rush out and buy more?

I can see that out of date bread mix might be a problem because it includes yeast, which does have a limited lifespan and so would lose its effect the longer it is after the best before date. But bread flour that you add your own yeast to should be fine.

My Panasonic breadmaker trouble shooting page suggests that using old flour is one of the reasons bread may not have risen properly.

It's not bread mix though is it, it's bread flour.

There's a big difference.

Loo - OK, I stand corrected. I don't make bread much so haven't had that problem. But if the OP is just thinking of using the flour next month instead of this month, I can't imagine that would make much difference?

It might need a bit more liquid than the recipe states, because it'll dry out as it gets older which might affect the rise. You could also keep it in the freezer to deter flour weevils. Otherwise go for it!

It'll be fine.

I used old flour once with my breadmaker and the results were very disappointing so, no - I wouldn't use it.

As I understand it, the OP is going to use this to make soda bread,

It shouldn't be any problem at all.

Yes it is bread flour.I will probably make some soda bread as that is easier

I'll make some in a bit and see how it goes. If ok might buy some more and pop it in the freezer, if I can find room.

Thanks for the replies [bsmile]