Bucket Storage?

[Bettacreek]

I've seen pictures (squirreling away) of people who were using buckets for bulk. We go through enough pasta here that we could buy it in those huge bags at Sam's and store it in a bucket like others have done with other things. From what I understand, you need a special seal for them... First, what kind of seal is this, where do I get it, etc? Second, where would I get silica gel packets or something similar to keep it fresh? Thanks so much, this place is amazing!

 

[Sunny]

I've seen pictures (squirreling away) of people who were using buckets for bulk. We go through enough pasta here that we could buy it in those huge bags at Sam's and store it in a bucket like others have done with other things. From what I understand, you need a special seal for them... First, what kind of seal is this, where do I get it, etc? Second, where would I get silica gel packets or something similar to keep it fresh? Thanks so much, this place is amazing!

Do a search (like google) for gamma lids.. It should bring up some places that sell the air tight bucket lids..

Another thread on here has a few sources for them..

http://www.sufficientself.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=197&p=1

 

[dacjohns]

Now how to word this.

I think the Gamma Seal (Gamma Lid) consists of an outer ring that snaps on the bucket and an inner portion that screws into the outer ring. It is mostly a matter of convenience.

The typical lids that come with the buckets should seal fine. Mine do. The drawback is getting them off the bucket. It can be a pain but there is a tool made that makes the job much easier.

For me, Gamma Seals cost too much. I use the regular lids.

 

[freemotion]

I agree, it seems that if you are going into a certain bucket almost every day, the more expensive lid might be worth the price. If not, you could remove some food from the bucket and put it into a smaller container, like a gallon jar, for everyday use. Then refill the jar, only opening the bucket five times until it is empty.

 

[Dixiedoodle]

I asked at the local deli, for food grade buckets that their pickles came in. Yes, it tooks some cleaning, air and washing to get the smell of pickles out of them... but I can purchase them with great seals, wire bale handles for less than two dollars. I use them for honey bulk, dry goods, animal water, scrubbing buckets, picnic buckets and for storage of toys.I

After I purchase them, I bring them home fill w/ water, add 1/2 bleach, replace the lid and let sit for a week Then I pour the water in the washer, for white clothes. I let them sit empty in a sunny place for a while to air out, bring them in and run them thru the dishwasher.. Never had a problem with the smell after that. Our bakery also sells their buckets but they ususally have plastic handles but they clean up really easy.. Good luck

 

[Bettacreek]

Thank you guys. I know that Walmart sells 1g and 5g buckets from the bakery for 2/$1 for the 1g and $1 for the 5g, but I wasn't sure if I needed the special gamma lids. I've actually never heard of them before, and, honestly, never heard of anyone storing bulk ingredients in buckets for household use either, lol. I love this forum, you learn something new every day.

 

[Bettacreek]

Oh, will the regular lids keep yuckies out, like flour beetles? That's a huge thing, I found buggies in some of the critter food, so I'd be worried about storing with a regular lid if the buggies can get in.

 

[freemotion]

Sometimes the critters come in with the food, so they may not be getting in, but just multiplying in there! Since I buy a lot of whole grains, many organic when I can get them, everything gets isolated in its own glass jar with a tight lid so that if I am importing weevils or whatnot, they stay in one place and don't contaminate other things.

The food grade buckets come with lids that will hold liquid in, usually, which should hold critters in/out, too. Look for a rubber gasket around the rim of the lid, that will tell you. Check to be sure it is intact on second-hand or older buckets.

 

[SKR8PN]

I bought 12 buckets and 12 Gamma seals so far, and love them! I found BRAND NEW 5 gallon food grade buckets at Lowes for 2.47 each and the Gamma seals are only 6.50 each, and if you buy 6 the price drops to 5.99 each.
http://www.freckleface.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/gammaseals.html

I prepared my flour by twice freezing it, then put it in a Mylar bag inside the bucket. Just before I seal the bag and put the lid on, I toss in a couple oxygen absorbers to kill anything else that may have survived the freezing process.

 

[Tallman]

I bought 12 buckets and 12 Gamma seals so far, and love them! I found BRAND NEW 5 gallon food grade buckets at Lowes for 2.47 each and the Gamma seals are only 6.50 each, and if you buy 6 the price drops to 5.99 each.
http://www.freckleface.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/gammaseals.html

I prepared my flour by twice freezing it, then put it in a Mylar bag inside the bucket. Just before I seal the bag and put the lid on, I toss in a couple oxygen absorbers to kill anything else that may have survived the freezing process.

Sk, I like your method. Where do you get the oxygen absorbers?


Bettacreek, I posted this on another thread. It is how the Y2K people packed some grain for me.

While getting ready for Y2K, I bought some whole corn for human consumption. They packaged it in 5 gal. buckets with diatomaceous earth sprinkled on top. I talked to the man in charge, and he said that any bug problems would develop from the top down. He sprinkled about 2 tablespoons on the top, put in a stirring rod about 3 inches deep, simply stirred in a circular motion, and put on an air tight lid. The idea was to get the diatomaceous earth distributed in the first 2 or three inches of the corn.

Freemotion is right about the bug eggs and such already being in the grain. You have to do something to take care of them on the inside.