Shelf Life Tips
- How long do sunflower seeds last? The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep sunflower seeds in a cool, dry area.
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To maximize the shelf life of sunflower seeds after opening, place in tightly sealed airtight container or heavy-duty plastic bag.
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How long do sunflower seeds last at room temperature? Properly stored, sunflower seeds will last for about 3 months at normal room temperature.
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Should you refrigerate sunflower seeds? To further extend the shelf life of sunflower seeds, keep them in the refrigerator.
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How long do sunflower seeds last in the refrigerator? Sunflower seeds will keep well for about 12 months in the refrigerator.
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Can you freeze sunflower seeds? Yes, freeze sunflower seeds in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
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How long do sunflower seeds last in the freezer? Properly stored, sunflower seeds will maintain best quality for about 12 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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The freezer time shown is for best quality only - sunflower seeds that have been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
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Are sunflower seeds safe to use after the "expiration" date on the package? Yes, provided they are properly stored, the package is undamaged and there are no signs of spoilage (see below) - commercially packaged sunflower seeds will typically carry a "Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before," or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the sunflower seeds will remain at peak quality.
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How to tell if sunflower seeds are bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the sunflower seeds: discard any that have an off smell or appearance; if mold appears, discard the sunflower seeds.
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