old DME

[Guinness]

My LHBS found a few old packages of DME that were forgotten in a cubboard or something and gave them to me.

They're of uncertain vintage (age measured in years, I'd guess) and have hardened into 'bricks'.

Are these usable? He wasn't sure, and suggested trying to disolve them in water.

 

[khiddy]

Hmmm.... use it for starters?

 

[homebrewer_99]

DO NOT DISSOLVE IN WATER...

Leave it in the sealed bag and lightly hit it with a hammer starting at one corner and moving slowly across the bag...be careful not to break through the plastic.

The big chunks will break up into little chunks and the little chunks will end up as powder again...I've done this so I know it works.

 

[Guinness]

So as long as it's still in the sealed package, it should still be fine for making beer?

 

[homebrewer_99]

So as long as it's still in the sealed package, it should still be fine for making beer?

Yes. I've used over 5 year old DME and there was nothing wrong with the brew.

 

[Frankdaatank24]

I don't see why not either, as long as its not like from the 80's or something. I would use it

 

[Guinness]

Ok tank, next question, so I can eval your last response:

Is there anything you wouldn't use?

I ask because your answer sounds an awful lot like the one I give when asked if something is ok to eat...!

 

[david_42]

LME in a bulging can. Green or black liquid yeast. Hops that smell like Limburger.

 

[homebrewer_99]

LME in a bulging can. Green or black liquid yeast. Hops that smell like Limburger.

...or anything along those lines...

 

[Frankdaatank24]

Ok tank, next question, so I can eval your last response:

Is there anything you wouldn't use?

I ask because your answer sounds an awful lot like the one I give when asked if something is ok to eat...!

LOL No, not really

My wife freaks out when I eat stuff thats been expired on the package for like 6 months. As long as it doesn't smell astringent or bad I don't have a problem eating it lol

 

[wyzazz]

Use it for starters or brew, it should be fine for either. Put it in a big ziplock before you hit it with a hammer just in case you bust that bag. It's sugar, sugar doesn't go bad unless it's wet and moldy...

 

[LiquidAthlete]

DO NOT DISSOLVE IN WATER...

Leave it in the sealed bag and lightly hit it with a hammer starting at one corner and moving slowly across the bag...be careful not to break through the plastic.

The big chunks will break up into little chunks and the little chunks will end up as powder again...I've done this so I know it works.

Out of curiosity why not dissolve in water?


This is an interesting thread. I was just at a store in CT today and was asking about dme and he said it went bad... and quick. I didn't want to start a debate but it did get me wondering what he was talking about. I even clarified dme.

 

[Austinhomebrew]

Just make something Belgian and no one will know.

Forrest

 

[oldschool]

Just make something Belgian and no one will know.

Forrest

LOL:rockin: