what's all this about pumping gas in with stored grains?

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when I buy bulk rice and beans I double bag them in 1 gallon freezer bags,duct tape after closing and then put the bagged rice/beans in large rubbermade thingys(sorry about the techno-speak)is that inadequate for storage/keeping out moisture? thanks for the replys,and the flames

-- ZOOBIE (ZOOBIE@ZOOB.ZAB), May 01, 1999

Answers

Zoobie,

If you want to know a lot more about proper ways to store grain or any other dry foods, go to the following:

www.waltonfeed.com

At the bottom of the left side of their page, look in the Walton's Information Area. There's some good articles on fungus and mold too.

-- Gordon (gpconnolly@aol.com), May 01, 1999.


That will be great for preventing moisture transport assuming the items stored are at the correct moisture level. However most bulk grains have some extra protein along for the ride, insect eggs. You need something to either prevent them from hatching or killing them shortly thereafter. DE (diatomaceous earth) kills the crawlies regardless of the number of times the container has been open. CO2 or nitrogen displaces the oxygen the critters need, but you loose it after first opening. Many people swear by freezing but it gets cold in North Dakota too and I don't think the bugs migrate in from Florida every year.

Gordon's recomendation for http://www.waltonfeed.com is a good one. They've be selling storage food for decades.

-- Ken Seger (kenseger@earthlink.net), May 01, 1999.


See also, Capt. Dave's Food Storage FAQs

-- De (delewis@inetone.net), May 01, 1999.

Oxygen is both corrosive and supports aerobic bacteria. Displacing the oxygen with pure nitrogen stops the oxidation process and creates a hostile environment for organisms that rely on oxygen.

Regards,

-- Mr. Decker (kcdecker@worldnet.att.net), May 01, 1999.


For those of you who know a group of GIs trying to store grains, beans, rice, etc. Why not go in together and purchase a dry pack canner and flanger? The flanger cuts the rim off the top of a used #10 can and flanges the edge, and the canner seals a new lid on it. You rent a tank of gas (CO2, I think), fill the can with grain, gas, and seal. Kills but bugs and protects the grain for years.

-- winna (??@??.com), May 03, 1999.


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