Consumables are one of the tastiest ways to enjoy weed, and knowing how to store edibles helps you savor the flavor for longer. Preservation is crucial whether you’ve made them with the buds grown from fast flowering cannabis seeds or purchased commercial products.
Several options exist depending on the type of goods and how long you want them to last. Read on as we tell you everything you need to know about storing edibles to maintain the freshest quality. We also elaborate on the signs that reveal when it’s time to toss them.
Why Is It Important to Store Edibles Correctly?
Storing edibles is crucial if you want to enjoy them in the future. Here are some reasons why you should preserve your consumables correctly:
- It prevents you from wasting money and throwing them in the trash.
- It maintains the THC and CBD levels and keeps them stabilized.
- It keeps them fresh and tasty.
- It protects you from hazardous mold, mildew, and contamination.
Best Containers for Storing Edibles
If you learn how to store edibles properly, they can last a long time. Containers are essential because they preserve the quality, taste, and texture.
Here are some of the best storage options:
Glass Jars
Mason jars and other glass containers are ideal for storing edibles in your pantry or refrigerator. They’re an excellent choice because most consumables don’t stick to them.
The downside of glass containers is that they’re not suitable for freezing. You won’t be able to keep the products fresh for the same amount of time. It’s also easy to drop them, especially after you’ve sampled some of the edibles.
Airtight Containers
Airtight containers are suitable for most baked cannabis goods, including CBD gummies. These boxes are ideal for cabinets, fridges, and freezers. They also provide easier access than mason jars, and dropping them typically won’t cause a shattered mess.
These containers are the best way to store edibles. They prevent bacteria and mold from forming by stopping air from passing through the products. If you don’t fill them to the brim, they retain humidity, preventing them from losing moisture.
The downside is that airtight containers can be pricey and sometimes come with complex instructions for washing and storing.
Ziplock Bags
If you’re looking for the most economical option, ziplock bags are your friend. They provide a similar bonus as airtight containers thanks to the resealable feature. They’re also easy to see through, ensuring the visibility of your consumables.
Ziploc bags don’t require a lot of space in your shelf, fridge, or freezer and can easily stack upon each other. They’re also convenient for carrying edibles outside the house and discarding the packaging.
The downside is items can get squashed easily as these bags aren’t stable.
Where to Store Edibles
Deciding where to store edibles depends on the type of ingredients used to make them. Generally, it’s best to keep your consumables in the refrigerator, especially if they contain butter, flour, or dairy.
When trying to store commercial cannabis products, check the labeling. The back of the packaging usually tells you when it expires and how best to conserve it.
Remember that most edibles don’t have as many preservatives as other baked goods and won’t last long at room temperature. If they’re still in the packaging, they can last for a few months in a cool dark cupboard.
If you want to know how to keep edibles fresh and preserve their taste and texture, wrap them in aluminum foil. A cover protects them from sticking to each other and maintains the moisture levels in the product.
Once wrapped, you can place them in an airtight container or glass jar and store them in the refrigerator. Baked goods like space brownies last for one to two months in the fridge and six months in the freezer.
Edibles that don’t contain dairy products, such as gummies and hard candies, have a longer shelf-life. They can last for a few months in the pantry, up to a year in the fridge, and indefinitely in the freezer.
If you use edibles as a long-term option, freezing them is advisable. It’s best to store them in batches and defrost the desired amount on the day you plan to eat them.
Red Flags Signaling It’s Time to Toss Your Edibles
If you’re unsure of your edibles’ safety, tossing them out is best. Cannabis goods don’t have super powers that make them last longer than regular baked goods.
Here are some signs to look out for if you suspect your consumables have gone off:
- They lose their smell and have a foul or sour odor
- Condensation droplets surround the container
- Discoloration occurs, and products lose their vibrancy
- They’re crumbly, extremely brittle, rough, and dry
- They feel mushy or slimy to the touch
If you haven’t stored your edibles properly and they’re past their expiration date, you should throw them away. Even if they smell, look, and taste good, harmful bacteria could be present in your products.
Important Points to Remember
Here are some tips to keep your consumables as fresh as the day you got them:
- Never store edibles, buds, or tinctures in direct light.
- Handle products with clean hands to prevent bacteria and cross-contamination.
- Ensure you keep them out of reach of children and pets.
- If you open your refrigerator often, it’s best to use a separate appliance such as a small bar fridge. Freezing your consumables prevents damage from temperature fluctuations.
- If you store them outside the packaging, label them with their expiration dates to keep track.
- Purchase edibles from a reputable dispensary and check that each item is properly sealed.
- Ensure you consume high-quality goods. Consider growing cannabis seeds and use the buds to make your own edibles.
Store Edibles Properly for Longer Shelf-Life
Storing edibles correctly is essential to maintain their freshness, texture, and safety. Glass and airtight containers are the best options. You can store them in the pantry, refrigerator, or freezer, depending on how long you want them to last.
To extend the shelf-life of your goods, storing weed in the freezer is the best option. When appropriately preserved, edibles can last anywhere from six months to indefinitely.
Kyle Kushman
Kyle Kushman is an American writer, educator, activist and award-winning cannabis cultivator and breeder specializing in veganic cultivation. He is a representative of Homegrown Cannabis CO company, has been a contributor for over 20 years, and has taught courses in advanced horticulture at Oaksterdam University in Oakland, California and across the United States. Kushman also hosts a cannabis podcast called “The Grow Show with Kyle Kushman”.