oatmeal

[cecil39]

I have a jar of oatmeal in my cupboard that I can't remember buying, so its been there some time, how long does it keep please.

[boxtops]

It might get stale, check it for bugs, if not it should be OK. Or bin it.

[maggiebee]

Oatmeal will keep a very long time in a jar.

[gsr600]

keeps as long as you own it lol. but don't know about shelf life/useability

[maggiebee]

Meant to add - if a bit iffy, birds will love it.

[cecil39]

thanks, to be on the safe side maybe I will mix it in when I make some 'fat cakes' for the birds.

[chris1957au]

If it been in an airtight jar and not got damp or bug infested then oat will keep for many years and be quite safe to eat, it will lose a little flavour after about 10 years but extra sugar should fix that, so don't worry go for it.

[glasman]

The weather's getting cold so feed the birds instead.

[atalanta]

There are two tests for iffy oatmeal:
test 1. Sniff it. Sniff hard. If there is no hint of fustiness, proceed to test 2.
test 2. spread some of the oatmeal on a flattish tray or big plate, making sure you use some from the very bottom of the jar. Look very carefully, with magnifying glass if necessary. If anything moves, it has weevils and the birds will love them. If nothing moves, the oatmeal is fine.

[cecil39]

gosh atalanta, we never stop learning do we, never thought you could actually see weevils, I will have a look.

[chris1957au]

And bayleaves will keep weevils at bay, keep them in your panty (open to the air) also in wrap in cheese cloth and stick them to the inside of you jar lids that you keep you flour and pulse ect in. change them every six month or so and you willbe weevil free

[kloofnek]

oh gosh,got me worried now...off to check all my stored dry stuff...with a magnifying glass!!!!!!

[tenrec]

Chris I think you better read your answer again!

[kloofnek]

tenrec...I didn`t notice the "panty" bit until read your post...gave me a laugh!!!

[chris1957au]

ok pantry it is lol