Cooked quinoa keeps well in the refrigerator; for longer storage, you can store it in the freezer. Either way, it retains its flavor, texture and generous levels of vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber. Cook a large batch of this healthy cereal grain, then freeze it in serving-size freezer bags or containers for easy prep later.
Keep Air Out to Maintain Quality
Place cooked, cooled quinoa in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator, where it will maintain its quality for about a week. For longer storage, put the quinoa in the freezer, and it will last for up to six months. Freeze the quinoa in plastic freezer containers or measure portion sizes into resealable plastic bags. You can reheat frozen quinoa directly out of the freezer or let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Never leave cooked quinoa at room temperature longer than 2 hours, because bacteria develops quickly at room temperature. Trust your senses and discard stored quinoa if it doesn't look right or if you notice an off smell.
- Kansas State University Research and Extension: Quinoa
- Columbia University Medical Center: 2013 -- The International Year of Quinoa
- Des Moines University: Friday Recipe -- Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Freezing Cooked Food for Future Meals -- Freezer Bag Tips
- Whole Grains Council: Storing Whole Grains
- USA Rice Federation: Brown Rice Basics
- Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images