# Storing flax seed **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 22, 2008, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/storing-flax-seed/468983 "2008-10-22T00:57:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![solkoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@solkoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solkoe)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/storing-flax-seed/468983/1 "2008-10-22T00:57:48Z")
I bought flax seed from a bulk store which I grind with a coffee grinder and and to my morning smoothie. I used to buy ground flax but I was told that the oils in ground flax decay rather quickly at room temperature making it nutritionally useless. Since the whole flax seed is kept at room temperature in the store, can I keep my whole flax in a cupboard or is there a reason it needs to be stored in the refrigerator or freezer? ---
**Author:** ![Bill\_Door](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@Bill\_Door](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bill_Door)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/storing-flax-seed/468983/2 "2008-10-22T01:24:07Z")
I always store my whole flax seed at room temperature. Until the seed coat is opened, the oils inside stay fresh. If you’re using it as a fiber supplement you can grind it ahead of time, but as an omega-3 source you should use it as soon as possible after grinding. ---
**Author:** ![rbroome](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/838e76/32.png) [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/storing-flax-seed/468983/3 "2008-10-22T12:02:01Z")
I purchase pre-ground flax seed. It comes packaged in an oxygen impermeable plastic bag. Once opened, I store it in the refrigerator. I think the key is oxygen, not temperature. But low temperature does slow down the spoilage rate.