how do you store your bulk grain?

bornthrifty

Lovin' The Homestead
Joined
Oct 29, 2009
Messages
206
Reaction score
1
Points
75
now that I am grinding grain I don't want to fuss with small bags of grain,

I am looking at buying 50 lb bags, and storing it

I understand grain stores well,

and doesn't really get buggy? (I think)

but we have to watch for molds mildew and rodents

right?

so if it is dry, and still in original bag should I just put into clean garbage cans to keep pests away?

problem is the garbage cans would only fit into my humid basement

should I transfer into five gallon buckets that I could line up and build a box around to make a storage bench for dining room?

or just keep in bags, make wood bench, place in wood storage bench (that would be tight so no rodents could enter), and store in new bench on dining room?

I guess I am concerned about a rodent getting in there most of alll,
unless you tell me I should be more concerned about something else,lol



or do you have a better idea?

thanks
 

ORChick

Almost Self-Reliant
Joined
Mar 6, 2009
Messages
2,525
Reaction score
3
Points
195
Grains can, and do, get buggy. What I do is probably not optimum, but it seems to be working for me. Remember please that I live in SW Oregon - our climate is damp, but our humidity is low - if that makes any sense ;). In highly humid areas you'd need to take special measures. I have not bought 100s of pounds of grain to last me for years, just 25 lbs each of several different kinds, to be used now, within the next year or so. Because it isn't long term storage I have not bothered with mylar bags and oxygen absorbers. I have some plastic buckets, but don't like the idea of the grain being in contact with the plastic, so I made some bags out of unbleached muslin, poured the grain (and I do this for legumes too) into the bag, tied the bag shut, and put it in the freezer for at least several days (longer if I can spare the space) to kill any hitch hiking bugs or their eggs. My freezer won't take more than one or two bags at a time, so I put others in as the first ones come out. Then they go back in the buckets, lids go on, and they get stored in my storage area - which is in my garage - not ideal, but the best I can do, having no basement. I have a number of large glass jars; I keep some grain/legumes in these, and refill as necessary from the buckets. Last I checked, about a month ago, all the buckets were just fine inside, after about 6 months of storage.
 

okiemomof3

Enjoys Recycling
Joined
Oct 18, 2010
Messages
20
Reaction score
0
Points
21
Location
Oklahoma
what i do is buy the gamma seal lids to go on my 5 lb buckets. it keeps humidity, bugs and everything out and is easy to get on and off once installed on the bucket. it will take 2 5 lb buckets to store 50 lb of wheat.
 

freemotion

Food Guru
Joined
Jan 1, 2009
Messages
10,817
Reaction score
90
Points
317
Location
Southwick, MA
I have about 125 lbs in glass jars without bags or absorbers. You must keep whatever containers you use in a good storage area that is neither too damp nor too hot. I have many of my jars on shelves in my garage, and bring in a few to shelves in the house. It works well for me.
 

tamlynn

Lovin' The Homestead
Joined
May 21, 2009
Messages
693
Reaction score
0
Points
98
Location
Land of Fruits and Nuts -LA
We have bulk grains stored 3 different ways- in 5 gallon plastic buckets-sealed by manufacturer, #10 tin cans, and mylar bags- both with oxygen absorbers. I have some gamma lids for buckets of grains I use often like rolled oats and wheat.

In your case, where you are going to be actively using the grain, I'd go with the food grade plastic buckets and the gamma lids. You do want your grain to be stored in an air-tight container.
 

Beekissed

Mountain Sage
Joined
Jul 11, 2008
Messages
12,774
Reaction score
3,943
Points
437
Location
Mountains of WV
I got some several hundred pounds given to me in already sealed containers. They are square metal and have a lid like a paint can that has to be pried off and tapped back on. Seems to have done the trick quite well! These are 40-50 lb. capacity cans.
 

Latest posts

Top