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Author Topic: How do you Store Your Grains?  (Read 2160 times)

Offline ultravista

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How do you Store Your Grains?
« on: October 17, 2015, 01:47:51 pm »
I have two batches of un-milled grains packaged for a future batch, about 15 pounds bagged. I won't be using these for several months, possibly 6 or more.

Is there any value in storing the bags in the freezer?

What is the best storage method?

Offline a10t2

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Re: How do you Store Your Grains?
« Reply #1 on: October 17, 2015, 01:57:45 pm »
Partial sacks, I twist shut and cinch with a zip tie. Poly bags I twist shut and use a rubber band. Store cool and dry and they're fine for at least a year.
« Last Edit: October 17, 2015, 02:03:18 pm by a10t2 »
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Re: How do you Store Your Grains?
« Reply #2 on: October 17, 2015, 04:21:38 pm »
I store whole bags once opened in wheeled 65qt dog food storage containers.   I store my specialty grains a 6.5-gallon metal tin that came from the Popcorn Factory.

Offline ultravista

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Re: How do you Store Your Grains?
« Reply #3 on: October 17, 2015, 05:55:41 pm »
Is there a benefit to storing grains in the freezer? I am Las Vegas, there's no cool place here unless it is energized.

Offline Steve Ruch

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Re: How do you Store Your Grains?
« Reply #4 on: October 18, 2015, 09:58:39 am »
Is there a benefit to storing grains in the freezer? I am Las Vegas, there's no cool place here unless it is energized.
Freezer and fridge are not good ideas.
I would suggest vacuum sealing.
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Offline Stevie

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Re: How do you Store Your Grains?
« Reply #5 on: October 18, 2015, 10:05:01 am »
I like these for moderate amounts. The gallon size can hold 4.5-5lbs. They are also available at Walmart if you don't mind shopping there.
http://www.usplastic.com/mobile/item.aspx?sku=72042

I like 5gal food grade buckets with gamma lids for larger amounts. They stack well and can hold about 25lbs.

Vacuum sealing would get expensive if packing up a large amount of grain. Cheaper poly bags may work, but I don't know if home use sealers can seal them well.

Offline tommymorris

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Re: How do you Store Your Grains?
« Reply #6 on: October 18, 2015, 10:09:36 am »
What temp is too warm for storing grain?  Is a hot garage in the summer ok?

Offline Stevie

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Re: How do you Store Your Grains?
« Reply #7 on: October 18, 2015, 10:15:14 am »
From what I have read, heat is a problem, but moisture is the major enemy. I'm sure you've seen the large silos outside of breweries. I don't think one can store warmer than in a massive tin can in the summer heat.

Offline tommymorris

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Re: How do you Store Your Grains?
« Reply #8 on: October 18, 2015, 10:19:16 am »

From what I have read, heat is a problem, but moisture is the major enemy. I'm sure you've seen the large silos outside of breweries. I don't think one can store warmer than in a massive tin can in the summer heat.
It's the specialty grains I worry about. They can last year's.  Base malt goes fast.

Offline Stevie

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Re: How do you Store Your Grains?
« Reply #9 on: October 18, 2015, 10:30:05 am »
If it's small amounts, store in a relatively stable environment of you can

Offline tommymorris

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Re: How do you Store Your Grains?
« Reply #10 on: October 18, 2015, 10:36:02 am »
I moved my specialty malts into the fridge this summer because my new brew room is in the garage and it was pretty hot.

A new LHBS is coming soon. I may stop storing malts altogether then.

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Re: How do you Store Your Grains?
« Reply #11 on: October 18, 2015, 11:13:04 am »
It's the specialty grains I worry about. They can last year's.  Base malt goes fast.

That's why I store my specialty grains in a metal tin. 

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Re: How do you Store Your Grains?
« Reply #12 on: October 18, 2015, 11:16:17 am »
Partial sacks, I twist shut and cinch with a zip tie. Poly bags I twist shut and use a rubber band. Store cool and dry and they're fine for at least a year.

Yep.  after I do that, I put the bags in big plastic Rubbermaid storage tuns and lee them in  basement.  I haven't done it, but I'd worry about condensation if you keep them in the freezer.  Plus, I don't think there's really any need to do that.
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Offline BrewArk

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Re: How do you Store Your Grains?
« Reply #13 on: October 18, 2015, 12:25:35 pm »
I like these for moderate amounts. The gallon size can hold 4.5-5lbs. They are also available at Walmart if you don't mind shopping there.
http://www.usplastic.com/mobile/item.aspx?sku=72042

I like 5gal food grade buckets with gamma lids for larger amounts. They stack well and can hold about 25lbs.

Vacuum sealing would get expensive if packing up a large amount of grain. Cheaper poly bags may work, but I don't know if home use sealers can seal them well.
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Offline Steve Ruch

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Re: How do you Store Your Grains?
« Reply #14 on: October 19, 2015, 04:35:39 pm »
Vacuum sealing would get expensive if packing up a large amount of grain.

It sure would; all I ever buy ahead is enough for two or three (three gallon) batches.
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