Grain storage
Whether you have been a grain share member for years, just got your first grain share, or are thinking about getting one, this page has some really important information about storing your share.
Grains are very easy to store and use. They will generally keep in whole form for 1 to 2 years at a stable room temperature. Use glass jars for storage and keep the grains on your counters and in your kitchen cupboards. Glass is moth proof, rodent proof, and more sanitary and clean than plastic, as scratches in plastic can harbor mold and bugs.
I highly recommend the use of desiccant packs in your storage containers as they will significantly increase the shelf life of all your grains. They are affordable, perfectly food safe and totally re-usable. Closed ball jars with grain and a desiccant pack will likely far longer than 1-2 years.
For best keeping, do not store your grain in the attic, basement, mudroom or garage. Temperature fluctuations lead to condensation and mold growth. Please keep your share on a main floor of your house where temperature is most stable. Kitchens are generally best.
If you need to look beyond your kitchen for storing extra grain, use a first floor closet or pantry space. A full share only takes up 4 cubic feet so any standard single kitchen cupboard will fit the entire thing. A combination of counter top and cupboard storage works particularly well! Mason jars are the most cost and space efficient and are best for long term storage. Anchor hocking jars make lovely countertop storage (as pictured above) but pantry moths can sneak in as they are not sealed like a ball jar.
Flour storage
Most flours can be stored at room temperature for at least several months. Beyond this time period it’s best to move flours into refrigeration or freezer. The cornmeal is particularly perishable and should be kept in the fridge or freezer at all times.
similar to flour, rolled oats keep at room temperature for 3-6 months in your kitchen, after which they should be moved to the fridge or freezer for longer storage. Steel cut will last the year and whole oat groats can last up to several years at room temperature in a sealed jar with desiccant packs.
Refrigerator and freezer storage is always an option and will keep flours the freshest and longest
Extra Storage
If you need to look beyond your kitchen for storing extra grain, use a first floor closet or pantry space. A full share only takes up 4 cubic feet so any standard single kitchen cupboard will fit the entire thing. A combination of counter top and cupboard storage works particularly well! Mason jars are the most cost and space efficient and are best for long term storage. Anchor hocking jars make lovely countertop storage (as pictured above) but pantry moths can sneak in as they are not sealed like a ball jar. Anchor Hocking jars can be found at Bed Bath and Beyond, Target, Walmart etc…(links go to amazon). I’d be happier to recommend a locally operated store to buy these but I am not aware of any at this time.
Cleaning
While it’s not necessary to wash any of your grains, you are always welcome to wash them in a few changes of water if you want to get them super clean. If you are going to cook them anyway, this adds very little time. If you are going to grind them after washing, you have to dry them thoroughly before grinding. Do look over your beans before cooking as the rare stone can be there and you don’t want to break a tooth.
To wash your grains, place them in a container several times larger than the amount of grain being washed. Then cover by several inches of water and stir. Pour off anything that floats. Repeat until water runs clear and nothing floats.
Pantry Moths
Pantry moths are attracted to things like sugar, pasta, flour, and other edibles stored in your cupboards in paper or plastic bags. The moths eat through the bags and proliferate sneakily. Proliferation is eliminated simply by storing all your edibles in glass or heavy duty plastic. If moths do get in your grains, you can always pop them in the freezer for a week and all moths will be killed.
If you already have moths, it is time to take everything out of your pantry and put everything in sealed glass containers . All long term storage (longer than a week) should be in glass or heavy sealed plastic and you’ll have no problems. Also get a few moth traps…this will really speed the removal process.
Desiccants
Desiccant packs are a cheap and simple way to add extra protection to your grains throughout the year. They are reusable and cheap. Add one to each jar and worry not!