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Properly Storing Whole Grains
To prepare for an emergency, many people consider storing whole grains. Whole grains [http://www.providentprovisions.net/Basic-Grains-p/fb1.htm] can be stored for years if properly packaged, and they can be prepared in many different ways. This makes whole grains perfect emergency rations.
Some may wonder why one should store grains whole. These people might think that storing large quantities of flour or cornmeal might save them a step in meal preparation. However, one must remember that ground flour or cornmeal from whole wheat or corn is extremely perishable.
Most companies that sell flour commercially strip most of the oil and nutrition out of the grain. This allows the ground grain to last for a long time, but the cost is lower food value. But when one grinds [http://www.providentprovisions.net/Grain-Mill-Bosch-Mixer-s/188.htm] whole grains, the fat and nutrition stay in the ground cereals. This makes the finished product much more nutritious but quite perishable. The oil in freshly ground cornmeal or flour can go rancid very quickly. Therefore, storing whole grains is a much better choice than grinding all the grains into flour before storage.
People who store grains wish for their grain to last a long time. To maintain the highest quality of grain, one must store it properly. Improperly stored grains are vulnerable to insects, rodents, and mold, all of which can render the grain inedible.
Grains must be stored in a cool, dry place. [http://www.providentprovisions.net/How-to-Store-Food-s/183.htm] Basements are perfect for grain storage, if they are completely dry. Attic spaces might work if the space is fully insulated and a thermostat regulates the temperature. The perfect temperature to store grains is a consistent 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you do not have a place that is that cool all of the time, comfortable room temperature will work too. Most important is to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations and freezing.
Grain must be very dry to avoid molding. The grain should contain less than ten percent moisture. If the moisture level is any higher, one runs the risk of mold, rancidity, and insect spoilage. To ensure long-term freshness, many people store their grain in Mylar bags inside of their storage containers. The Mylar bags help to keep rodents from smelling the grain and potentially nibbling through the storage container. Additionally, many use oxygen absorber packets in their grain, which help prevent oxidation. Oxidation discolors the grain and makes it taste “stale.”
The best storage container for long-term grain storage is a food-grade bucket. One should never use buckets designed for paint or other chemicals. These can leach harmful chemicals into the grain. Food-grade buckets are easily moved in case of an emergency, and they stack well in a storage area. Many companies sell airtight lids with the buckets to keep the grains as fresh as possible
Archeologists have found wheat stored inside the pyramids from centuries ago. While you may not be storing your wheat for centuries, correctly stored whole wheat, corn, or other grains can last for over thirty years. If your whole grain is properly stored, it can be a viable food source for your family in case of emergency.
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