How Long does DME Last?

ultravista · Mar 25, 2011

I want to make my own starters and prefer to buy a larger bag of DME vs. smaller costlier bags one at a time.

If properly stored, how long will DME last?

What is the best way to store DME?

erikpete18 · Mar 25, 2011

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure the shelf life is longer than you'll have it around. You will want to make sure you can seal it up fairly well since it will start to soak up humidity and turn to a solid rock. But even when I've had that happen with mine I just break chunks off and weigh them out. They will take a little longer to dissolve in the water, but never had any other problems with stuff that's >6 months old and can probably get much older than that.

jangelj · Mar 25, 2011

I order in 50 lb bags and store in 2 orange Home Depot buckets with lids. Never had a problem. usually gets used within 6 months or so.

Revvy · Mar 25, 2011

People have used decades old DME that have formed hard cakes, so age really is irrelevant. Though I'm sure it probably doesn't taste all that fresh when it's clumped together, but sugar is sugar and it doesn't really go bad.

The best way is to seal it in an airtight container that will prevent moisture from getting in and it clumping hard. Even putting the bag in a sealed jar, or even possibly a ziplock will help. Tossing in a dessicant packet if you can find one or have saved one from like a jar of nuts, wouldn't hurt. But just sealing it up is fine.

drac0 · Mar 25, 2011

Humidity is a bitch when it comes to storing your DME. If you can get some Desiccant Packets to store inside your DME it should help with the clumping.

I found that out the hardware here in the balmy south!