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After finding a huge amount of bugs in a stored pasta box I started sealing them up in sealed plastic containers direct from the store. Yesterday I found this did not work. Bugs and bug webs everywhere. Bugs so small, if you didn't check on them, you might not notice. I am ditching buying noodles of any sort in the cardboard boxes.
I am hoping the ones shipped in the plastic/cellophane bags will be better. Any other suggestions, advice? Also had some beans go buggy. I am now trying to cycle them through on a shorter shelf life, but I would like to keep more on hand, in case the boats quit coming.
One was a Target brand. Three were Golden Grain from unremembered sources, and most likely bought "on sale".
Peace and long life
Peace and long life
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Keep it in fridge or freezer.
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We freeze all of our grains when we bring them home. Once frozen for a day or two, we then store them in plastic air tight containers at room temperature. It's also a great way to prevent mold on tortillas.
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Mainland packaging doesn't hold up in this subtropical climate, especially the cardboard and adhesives. I just use the bigger zip lock bags for things like grains, cereals, rice, etc, toss the original packaging. The seal keeps humidity out better and even keeps the tiny sugar ants out.
"Mahalo nui Pele, 'ae noho ia moku 'aina" - kakahiaka oli
*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*
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I usually place a few bay leaves in with dry beans, rice, or any other dry products, and that acts as a deterrent to the bugs.
Dee
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Repack in large mason jar, adding a piece of dry ice near the bottom (in the pasta/rice/beans, so it's not directly touching the glass). Set lid loosely and wait for the dry ice to melt, then tighten the lid ("firmly").
As the dry ice melts, the CO2 displaces the oxygen, without oxygen the contents will last for years.
Packing the jars in ammo cans for bury in the yard, optional.
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We only buy pastas in bags, never in boxes, and we quit having bugs in them. We also freeze all pastas, legumes and flours when they come into the house for at least 24 hours and then store them in air/bug tight containers. Make sure you let the frozen bag get to room temperature before you open it or it will get condensation issues.
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All good advice! I'll add that the tupperware plastic containers with the rubber o-ring and snap down latches seem to work very well for me. I use them for longer term storage and pet food.
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I store bulk herbs and spices from the health food store in the freezer for the same reason.
The freezer is also good for getting rid of mold/mustiness in books and papers, and preventing feathers from getting eaten by bugs.
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Hmmm, What about just ignoring it, what's a little bug bits in the pasta salad? I think whatever you do, you will most likely get some sort of bug in your dish.
I dunno, I think it's something that one must adjust to when moving here.
If you think I'm nuts or something think about how many bugs are in processed food or candy? I heard one time that the government allows so many bug parts per serving.
Enjoy!
[xx(] [
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http://www.wired.com/2012/08/st_essay_ick_factor/ something to sink your teeth in, heck, maybe Hawaii might be the next new import of those huge roaches! Don't kill em, export them!
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