Refrigerated dough: Is it a convenience or a health hazard? Know this before making rotis.

News Topical, Digital Desk : To avoid the morning rush, we knead extra dough and store it in the refrigerator. But did you know that storing kneaded dough for long periods of time can lead to acidity and digestive problems?

Excessive fermentation can alter the pH of the dough and be harmful to the stomach. Let's explore the disadvantages of storing flour for long periods of time and how to avoid them.

How long does flour stay fresh in the fridge?

Kneaded wheat dough can be stored in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. Dough kneaded with milk, yogurt, or other dairy products has a shelf life of only 12-18 hours. To keep dough fresh for a longer period, it's safer to store it in the freezer.

These are the changes that occur in flour stored in the refrigerator

• The amount of gluten continues to increase, making the dough tough and sticky.
• Nutrients gradually decrease
• Fermentation starts and may cause bloating or acidity.

Flour spoils quickly at room temperature.

If the kneaded dough is left at room temperature for 8-10 hours, it can ferment very quickly. Eating rotis made from it can cause acidity and indigestion .

This is harmful to health

• Vomit
• Diarrhea
• abdominal cramps
• Fever
• itching on the skin
• Sensitive people may have trouble breathing

How to know if the flour is spoiled or not

• If it becomes too elastic : Pull a small portion of the kneaded dough and see if it becomes too sticky or elastic, do not use it.
• Sour smell: Smell stored flour before using it. If it smells sour or has a darkening, do not use it.

In this way the flour will not spoil for a long time

• Add some oil while kneading the dough.
• When storing, wrap it well with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
• Store the flour in an airtight container only.

Read More: Refrigerated dough: Is it a convenience or a health hazard? Know this before making rotis.