| Author |
Message |
    
Michael
Member
Username: Michaelg
Post Number: 118
Registered: 02-2004
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 03:44 am: | 
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I've noticed that I've accumulated a lot of half- or quarter-full bags of specialty grains. How long do people typically keep their specialty grains around? |
Brian Miller
New Member
Username: Backatcha
Post Number: 7
Registered: 10-2000
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 08:28 am: |
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Storage time for malt varies. Shelf-life is mainly dependent on the method of storage: temp, humidity, oxygen transfer, exposure to light, mice and so on.... how and where are you keeping it? |
Astro
New Member
Username: Astro
Post Number: 23
Registered: 07-2004
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 11:27 am: |
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I've got a bunch of tupperware containers that hold about 5# of grain each. I just keep them closed in my pantry, and don't worry about it much. I suppose I could purge them with CO2, or vacuum seal them, but I haven't had any ill effects with my current methods. I just crush them when I need them, and have been satisfied with the results.
I haven't been brewing all-grain that long, so my oldest grains are maybe a year old at most. All of my long-term storage grains are specialty grains, since the base malts go fast. As long as you don't expose them to extremes in heat and humidity, and prevent critters from getting to them, I suspect they will be good for at least a year, if not more. |
Bill Pierce
Moderator
Username: Billpierce
Post Number: 1207
Registered: 01-2002
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 12:28 pm: |
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If the grain is pre-crushed I would use it within two months. Uncrushed it will keep in a dry place for a couple of years. Flaked ingredients should be used quickly, as they contain oils that can go rancid. |
Dan Listermann
Advanced Member
Username: Listermann
Post Number: 713
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 12:45 pm: |
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I can't recall anyone complaining that their beer was bad because their crushed grain went off on them. For all practical purposes it is my opinion that crushed grain , if stored properly, will last for a long time and should not be much of a concern to most brewers.
Dan Listermann |
ELK
Advanced Member
Username: Elkski
Post Number: 971
Registered: 01-2003
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 12:49 pm: |
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Remember I used 7 month old crushed grain on my DC RyePA and it turned out great! IT was stored in the paper sack in the my storage room. |
Yukon Cornellius
Junior Member
Username: Yukoncornellius
Post Number: 42
Registered: 04-2003
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 05:59 pm: |
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I believe storage time of grains, as with most perishable food items, depends on oxygen, temperature, and moisture. Keeping grain at least semi-sealed (tupperware or whatever), cool, and dry has enabled me to store it safely for a year or more. |
Brews and Views Archive 2004 
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