How to Tell If Grains Like Bulgur Have Spoiled

Grains used for pilaf, such as bulgur and cracked wheat, usually show signs of spoilage through insect activity, a moldy smell, or grains sticking together. Dry grains stored properly can last a long time, so changes are often caused by storage in a damp place or in a container that is not airtight. The clearest sign is fine dust or small insects at the bottom of the package. The second sign is mold on the grains and a damp, musty smell; if either of these two signs is present, the grains should no longer be considered safe to eat.

What are signs of insects in bulgur?
Insect activity in bulgur and cracked wheat may first appear as fine webbing and grains sticking together. This webbing is spun by larvae and usually collects in the corners or at the bottom of the package. If small brown insects are visible on the surface after pouring the grains into a container, there is an active infestation. Removing only the top layer is not enough, since larvae may have spread deeper into the package; the whole package should be discarded. Do not refill the storage jar without first washing it with hot water.

When are moisture and mold dangerous?
Bulgur stored in a damp place may clump and develop a thin fuzzy layer, and a moldy smell may be noticeable as soon as the package is opened. This usually happens when grains are stored in a damp corner of the kitchen or in a bag that is not airtight. Cooking cannot make moldy grains safe; some toxins produced by molds may not break down even at high temperatures. Discard an entire batch if it smells moldy or has visible mold rather than sorting through it.

How can you tell staleness from spoilage?
Grains stored for a long time may become stale without being spoiled: their color may become dull, a faint dusty smell may develop without a moldy odor, and the cooked flavor may become flat. This affects flavor but is not a safety risk. Rinsing stale grains several times before cooking may remove most dust and somewhat improve the cooking result. However, a moldy smell indicates something other than staleness, and rinsing will not solve the problem.

Can insect-infested grains be sorted and used?
If only a few insects are found in part of the package, with no dust or webbing, the grains can be passed through a fine sieve and rinsed several times before use; grains that float in the rinse water are hollow and should also be discarded. If dust, webbing, or live insects are found throughout the package, sifting is not enough. Discarding a heavily infested batch rather than trying to salvage it is safer and prevents the infestation from spreading to other grains and legumes in the pantry.

How can you help prevent insects in grains?
Transferring grains from the original package to a tightly sealed glass jar can reduce the risk of outside contamination. Wash the jar with hot water and dry it thoroughly first. Store grains on a cool, dry shelf rather than in a damp cabinet to prevent moisture absorption. Keep a newly purchased package separate and check it for a few days before combining it with existing stock, so an unnoticed infestation does not spread to other jars. Open and visually inspect large packages that have been stored unused for a long time from time to time.