Grain knowledge: Proper storage

How do I store my grain properly and how long does it last?

Basically, grain is a natural product that should be stored in a cool, dry place and protected from light. Under optimal storage conditions, grain usually has an unlimited shelf life. However, there are a few "troublemakers" that you should definitely protect your grain from. How? You'll find out in this article!

First of all, after buying the grain, you should open the bag and check the quality. It is also a good idea to fill a small amount for your daily needs (a supply for about 2-4 weeks) and keep it in the kitchen. Screw-top jars, glass containers with snap-on lids or containers with wooden lids are suitable for this.

You should seal the rest of the grain well and store it in a sack. The basement is a good place to store it, as long as it is not too damp. Otherwise, you can also store your grain in the pantry or in the lower kitchen cupboard. Make sure that the storage rooms are regularly ventilated and do not place the grain sack directly on the floor.

The harvest cycle

Not only for fruit and vegetables, but also for grains, it is advisable to take a look at the harvest cycle and buy accordingly. This will allow you to optimise the storage of your grain.

April May:

It is the beginning of spring and temperatures are rising to 20 degrees. This is the time of year when you should use up any leftovers from the previous year.

June August:

In Germany, winter and summer grains are usually ready for harvest from mid-June to the end of August. The exact time depends on the weather and the moisture content of the grains. In the summer months, when storage is critical, you should only buy as much grain as you need.

September-March:

From autumn onwards you can stock up on supplies for the winter. Follow our storage tips.

I have an animal infestation - what now?

If you have discovered unwelcome friends such as grain beetles or food moths in your grain, this means that the grains have been eaten or contain larvae. In principle, these can be metabolized, as they consist mainly of protein. You can therefore still process the infested grain. If you don't want to do that, you can of course dispose of it. You should then clean the storage room thoroughly and of course check all other foods for infestation.