Grain Freshness

[Jaeger48]

Quick question- I was going to brew a couple weeks ago and the rest of life got in the way. I made a starter from a questionable package that had very little growth. I plan on brewing this weekend and will make a new starter. My concern is the grain has been in a paper back for the past 3-4 weeks and not in an airtight container. Will it be that good or is it better to get some fresh stuff from the LHBS? I'm not worried about cost, I just don't want to waste the grain if it can still be good.

[andy77]

Unless you live in the amazon, it should be fine. If it's not moldy, and the cracked grain husks are still crispy (ie not limp ) then you should be fine.

[Jaeger48]

yeah... we've had a high of 60 in the past 3 weeks. I do worry sometimes about the relative humidity in western WA and the effect it'll have in general but I'll use it.

[brewinhard]

Was the grain crushed already? If not, then you are good to go. If it has, then it could defintely be a bit stale. You have probably already brewed with it anyway. Good luck!

[Jaeger48]

nope, I haven't used it yet but I'm already planning on picking up new grain. I got a butt-ton of hops from Niko that I need to use now anyway so it's all good.

[Dmp]

I always throw my grains in a air tight container and then into the freezer, am i retarded?

[Mylo]

Ideally you should use your grain as soon as you mill it - like fresh coffee. However, in practice, if the cracked grain has been relatively cool and dry it will be fine for 3-4 weeks. Will it have "lost something"? Perhaps. But I doubt it would make as big of a difference as yeast health or ferm temp control. In the grand scheme of things, it will be fine.

Hell - that LME that you used to use probably hung around for MONTHS in that drum at the LHBS. It has to be better than that.


Mylo