Grains/Hops/DME shelf life?

I do all my brewing in small (1 gallon) batches due to severe space limitations in my apartment. All brew are (dry) extract based with some steeping grains (crystal/chocolate malt etc.) as required.

A typical recipe uses 1lb or so of DME and up to 1lb of (sometimes mixed) grains. I've just ordered several 1kg (2.2lb) bags of DME along with several 1lb bags of various grains.

My question is: will opened bags of DME/crushed grain keep for the 2,3 or 4 weeks that generally elapse between brewing sessions? Airtight containers? The same for leftover hops?

Thanks.

P.S. Current brew is a big (6.6%) ESB just ageing gently in bottles.... Mmmmh :cross:

grez said:

My question is: will opened bags of DME/crushed grain keep for the 2,3 or 4 weeks that generally elapse between brewing sessions? Airtight containers? The same for leftover hops?

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Yes, yes & yes. I store my leftovers in a cool dry place, not exposed to light/stored in containers and its all good.

DME will last years.

Do not place it in the fridge. A plastic bag will do. Double baggged even better. Placing both of them in a plastic container...even better.

Hops go in the freezer.

Thanks for the info guys!

I'll double bag everything AND put it in plastic containers.

Quick question regarding freezing hops, if they are frozen do the need to be defrosted/thawed out before adding to the boil, or can they just be thrown straight in there?

Cheers

Throw them straight in.

Incidently, they are not really "frozen" because they don't have any water in them.