Many people to ask the same practical question: Can you store cornmeal in Mylar bags?

Yes, you can store cornmeal in Mylar bags. They are one of the best long term storage options for cornmeal because they protect it from air, light, and moisture. Those three elements are the main culprits behind spoilage. When cornmeal is sealed inside a Mylar bag with the proper oxygen control, the shelf life can increase dramatically compared with leaving it in its original paper packaging.

Cornmeal seems basic, but it acts a little differently than other pantry items. Since cornmeal has natural oils from the corn germ, it can deteriorate quicker than sorts of grains (like rice or wheat) because of improper storage.

Why Cornmeal Spoils Faster Than Other Types of Grains

Cornmeal, like all grains, is a result of grinding up the dried grain. Unlike rice or white flour, cornmeal contains some of the oils that are found in corn. These oils are exposed to the oxygen in the air and will begin to oxidize. Oxidization occurs over time; therefore, as soon as the oils in the cornmeal begin to oxidize, the cornmeal will develop a smell that is stale or rancid in nature.

Several environmental factors can cause the oxidation(n) of cornmeal to happen at an accelerated rate:

• Exposed Oxygen (Allows for oxidation to happen)
• Light (Breaks down the natural compounds found in the grain)
• Moisture (Encourages the growth of mould)
• Heat (Speeds up the process of chemical degradation)

With the above factors taken into consideration, other than through the use of Mylar bags, standard paper or plastic bags do little to protect cornmeal over time.

How Mylar Bags Improve Cornmeal Storage

Mylar Bags are manufactured from a multi-layered polyester film that is an effective barrier against the external environment. Once sealed, the Mylar bag protects the contents from outside air, moisture and sunlight.

As a result of the above properties, Mylar bags are ideal for storing and preserving dry food products.

The following are a few of the advantages of storing cornmeal in Mylar bags:

* Protect from exposure to oxygen

* Provides complete light blockage

* Provides excellent moisture protection

* Minimizes the likelihood of pest infestation

* Allows for a longer shelf life overall.

If Mylar bags are properly packed with oxygen removers, it reduces the level of oxidation in the air inside the Mylar bag thus providing a condition for the corn

Cornmeal Stored in Mylar Bags - How Long Can it Last? 

How long cornmeal can be stored depends on how it's packed away. If oxygen absorbers are used, it'll last longer than if it were stored alone due to lack of oxidization.

Here is the breakdown of how long cornmeal could be stored depending on how it was packed:

• Original Package/Container: 6 to 12 months
• Airtight Container: 1 to 2 years
• Mylar Bag with Oxygen Absorber: 5 to 10+ years

While the above example shows that Mylar Bags actually do allow you to store for a longer period of time compared to the regular container, it is still affected by temperature as to how fast the processes happen inside.

The best suggestion is to store cornmeal in a cool dark place. 

How to Store Cornmeal in a Mylar Bag 

Cornmeal can be stored in a Mylar Bag with minimal effort, as long as certain details are followed. 

Step 1 - Use Thick Mylar Bags 

When you're selecting which type of Mylar you are going to use, ensure that they are at least 5 mil thick. While it is true that light and oxygen will eventually diffuse through, thicker types will slow the diffusion rate.

The thickness of Mylar adds a stronger barrier to protect the contents from damage. 

Step 2 - Use Oxygen Absorbers 

Oxygen Absorbers will remove the final traces of oxygen left inside the sealed bag.

Here are the sizes that would typically be used:

• 300cc Absorber for Small Bags
• 500cc Absorber for 1 Gallon Bags
• 2000cc Absorber for 5 Gallon buckets

By removing the oxygen, you're slowing down the process of rancidity and also reducing the possibility of insect infestations. 

Step 3 - Fill the Bag 

Fill the bag until you have about 2-3 inches from the top, this will allow you to properly seal the bag.

Do not pack the bag too tightly before sealing as this could result in the bag bursting open when sealed. 

Step 4 - Seal the Mylar Bag 

When sealing the Mylar bag, you may use either a heat sealer or even your home iron. Be sure to create an airtight seal so that no air will re-enter into the bag after being sealed, you will notice that the bag will be slightly compressed after the oxygen absorber has absorbed all of the oxygen. 

Step 5 - Store in a Protective Container 

Although Mylar is extremely strong, many people store their Mylar bags in a food grade container for added protection against rodents, accidents or puncture, and to keep them separate from other items in your pantry or storage room.

Whole Cornmeal vs Degerminated Cornmeal 

Not all cornmeals have the same storage life. Whole Cornmeal, with its high oil content will spoil faster than Degerminated Cornmeal due to the fact that it has had the germ removed and therefore has very few oils present.  Therefore, if you intend to store cornmeal for an extended period of time, you should consider storing Degerminated Cornmeal instead of Whole Cornmeal for the longest shelf life. 

How To Tell if Your Cornmeal has Gone Bad

Just because the cornmeal has been packaged properly and stored the way you want, doesn't mean it hasn't gone bad.

When you open a package of cornmeal, you should check for the following: 

1. Sour smells 
2. Change in color 
3. Mold 
4. Moisture clumping 

If your cornmeal smells sweet, it means that it has retained its true taste so it hasn't gone bad or spoiled. If there is any sharp, odorous, or other unpleasant scent to the cornmeal, you should throw it away. 

Why Many Cornmeal Brands Use Custom Stand Up Mylar Bags

Several brands of cornmeal prefer to use custom stand up mylar bags because they provide superior protection versus traditional paper packaging. Mylar offers a more rigid barrier against oxygen, moisture, and light than traditional paper, which is why they help to keep cornmeal fresh longer, as well as reduce the rate at which the natural oils in cornmeal will become rancid. Also, the stand up-pouch design makes it easier for consumers to store cornmeal in their kitchens after opening the package.

Custom stand up mylar bags are commonly used to package cornmeal, as well as flour, grains, nuts, sea salt, and many other dry ingredients because they are both durable and convenient for storage. 

Conclusion 

It is absolutely possible to store cornmeal in Mylar bags. In fact, this is one of the best methods to ensure cornmeal does not go bad due to exposure to oxygen, moisture and pests.  

If the bag is sealed with oxygen absorbers and stored correctly in a cool environment, the cornmeal will be good for years. 

If you have a large amount of stock you want to keep, making an emergency food reserve or just want to have the items in your pantry last longer, using Mylar bags for storage is an excellent and simple way to keep things fresh.