Do I need to refrigerate vital wheat gluten?

[javaandjazz]

I just bought this for the first time to use in the bread machine. I normally refrigerate the flours I use but was wondering if I need to put the wheat gluten in the fridge also? Thanks!

[canyondweller]

Yes maam, been researching all day after getting my new bread machine :) said to store it in the refrigerator or freezer just like your healthy flour.

[jerry i h]

Nope. Store it the same way you store regular flour.

[Bryn]

no. There are no fats (or very trace amounts of fats) in it to go rancid. Vital Gluten is Wheat protein.

[alwayscooking]

I don't refrigerate it. Curious on how you will use it - for making chewy bread or wheat 'meat'?

[visciole]

Dunno how the OP will use it, but I use it in my bread machine to make whole wheat bread, as whole wheat has less gluten. It really helps to make the texture of the bread lighter and, for want of a better word, "pullier." You know, the way a bagel is. It makes a big difference.

[melodyoutside]

I bought my VWG in the bulk section of the store and it wasn't refrigerated...which is odd, because all of their bulk flours were refrigerated. Anyway, I decided it's best to stay on the safe side and refrigerate it to keep it from going rancid. However, with that said, VWG is lower in carbohydrates than flour, and I *think* lower in fat...so it may not go rancid that quickly. Basically, whenever I plan to use some (if I know ahead that I'll be baking), I measure out what I'm using and let it come to room temp before I use it, and then I place the rest in the fridge. Hope that helps!