How to Roast Flaxseeds

Co-authored by Lyssandra Guerra

Last Updated: December 6, 2024 Approved

Flaxseed is a versatile and healthy addition to all your meals. Roasted flaxseed contains Omega 3 fatty acids, which your body cannot produce. Eating roasted flaxseed on a regular basis is a great way to add Omega 3 fatty acids, fiber and protein to your diet.^{[1]
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Research source} You can consume it in whole seed, milled or oil form. Roasting or grinding flaxseeds breaks the hard seed coat, which is very difficult to break while chewing. The nutrients of flaxseed are contained within the seed, so breaking the seed coat will make the nutrients easier for you to digest. Unground flaxseed will simply pass through your digestive system intact and you will absorb very little of its nutritional benefits.

Things You Should Know

If you’re using a skillet, roast flaxseeds using medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently.
If you’re using an oven, spread seeds in a layer across a roasting pan and roast them at 375F for 5 to 10 minutes.

Ingredients

Servings: 1 to 2
Prep time: 10 minutes

1/2 cup (118 ml) flaxseeds

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Roasting Flaxseeds in a Skillet

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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Roasting Flaxseeds in the Oven

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Question

How many times in a day we should take it?

Community Answer

You can eat 50 grams of flax seed in a entire day. The best dose is 25 grams in the morning and 25 grams in evening.

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How long does toasted flax seed last in the fridge?

Community Answer

Flax seed can usually last up to 3 weeks, but sometimes spoils sooner, depending on the quality of the flax seed. Be sure to store it in an airtight container, it usually lasts longer that way.

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What time is it good to eat flaxseed?

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You can eat one teaspoon of flax seeds an hour after breakfast, but at least two hours before lunch. It is also a good snacking option around 4-5 pm with a cup of green tea.

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Tips

Grind flaxseeds with a clean coffee grinder.^{[4]
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Roast large batches of flaxseeds and add them to cereal, salads, baking mixes and yogurt.

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Ground flaxseed should be stored in an opaque container in the refrigerator or freezer because the nutrients are no longer protected by the hard shell once you have ground them.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

I roast 1/4-1/2 cup of flaxseeds (enough for 3-4 days) in a microwave. Put the seeds on a paper towel in the microwave, sprinkle the seeds across half the towel, fold the towel over, and microwave them until they begin to pop (15-30 seconds). Wait for a minute and repeat in a total of 2–3 bursts. Transfer the seeds to a hand mill, store them at room temperature, and grind them as needed.
I make flax seed crackers. Combine one cup of whole flax seeds, add seasonings of your choice (e.g., garlic powder, salt, etc.). Then, add a half cup water and soak for at least five hours. Place the dough on a cookie sheet with parchment paper, and bake at 290°F (143°C) for at least 1 hour until crisp. Then, break apart and enjoy with cheese or any nut butter.

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Warnings

Flaxseeds contain oils and can become rancid if not stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

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Flaxseeds increase your fiber intake, so be sure to increase your water consumption when you add flaxseed to your daily dietary regime.^{[5]
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