Clumpy, hardened DME still good?

[nolabrew85]

I have some DME I use to make starters but the humidity has gotten to it and it has clumped up. It can still be crumbled. It doesn't appear to have mold or anything on it. I bought over 6 months ago, maybe more. Money isn't an issue. Just a trip to the brew store. I just use it for starters. Thanks!

 

[Quaker]

I'd use it and have done similar without issue.

 

[CJ-3]

It's just pulled some moisture from the air. Still ok to use it.

 

[bobeer]

I used old dme that was rock hard for my last starter. It worked fine. Just throw it in and boil it like you normally would.

 

[CA_Mouse]

I've used my food sealer on DME and had it turn into a solid rock. Just steep it in hot water until it dissolves and then boil as normal.

 

[Teromous]

You really have to be careful when using DME that has hardened. It can sink to the bottom of your kettle like a rock and scorch. I've had to go DME rock fishing in my kettle and that wasn't very fun. What I've done in the past is to draw off some wort (or water) that is hot and soak it in another smaller pot and just let it sit there for a while and start smashing it up. Then you just pour it in like LME and continue on. It takes a little bit of time but saves you a huge headache.

 

[SeraW]

Had this today. I just whisked continuously as I was bringing it to a boil. Eventually dissolved.