To ensure you're getting the highest quality flaxseed, follow these shopping guidelines :
: Once you get home, store whole seeds in a cool, dark place. Ground flaxseed and flaxseed oil MUST be refrigerated or frozen to maintain freshness. 4. Pro Tip: Buy Whole, Grind Later
: This is the most bioavailable form, as your body can easily digest it. The downside is that once ground, the oils are exposed to oxygen and can spoil quickly. how to buy flaxseed
: While bulk bins are great for whole seeds, avoid buying pre-ground flax from open bins, as exposure to air can make the oils rancid.
: These have a hard outer shell that protects the delicate oils inside from going rancid. However, whole seeds often pass through the body undigested, meaning you won’t absorb all their nutrients. To ensure you're getting the highest quality flaxseed,
: Flaxseed should have a mild, nutty aroma. If it smells bitter or like oil paint, it has likely gone rancid.
: This is a concentrated source of omega-3s but lacks the fiber and lignans found in the seeds. 2. Brown vs. Golden Flaxseed Pro Tip: Buy Whole, Grind Later : This
You may see both brown and golden varieties. Nutritionally, they are . Brown flaxseed is more common and often cheaper, while golden flaxseed is sometimes preferred for baking because its lighter color blends in more easily. 3. Shopping and Storage Tips