Shelf Life of Grains, LME, DME, Hops, & Yeast

[Atl300zx]

I am about to place an order for more ingredients to brew my next few batches. I was wondering what the shelf life is for Grains, LME, DME, Hops (Pellet and Fresh), and Yeast (Dry and Liquid). Also what about for items for Irish Moss or lactose, etc?

Also how should each be stored to maximize shelf life?

I am creating a basic program where i insert my recipes and inventory into a database. I select which recipes i want to make and it creates a total grain bill for orders (minus what i already have in stock). It also will track the expiration date of any items so i know when i need to use them by. I plan on being able to search the recipe database by ingredient so if i need to use up a certain ingredient, i know what beer i need to make.

Thanks

 

[efreem01]

I'm wondering myself the very answers to your questions. But the program you're writing sounds like it could be nice. What are you using to write it?

 

[Atl300zx]

Access using VBA and SQL

 

[TheJadedDog]

Uncracked grains should have a fairly long shelf life, once they are crushed they are only good for a few weeks. Hops also last a nice long time if you keep them vacuum sealed and in the freezer.

DME also lasts a while when properly stored. LME has a shorter life (not sure because I don't use it) as it will start to get that tin can twang after a while.

Yeast is another matter. Liquid yeast has a definite shelf life typically printed on the smack pack or vial. Washed yeast is typically good for a few months (some on here have revived washed yeast after a year but I have no experience with this). Dry yeast is usually good for about a year, date is also usually stamped on the package.

Hope this helps.

 

[homebrewer_99]

I had a couple of 3# bags of DME in a primary bucket for 5 years in storage and it was still good. No clumps, nothing wrong.

I've successfully used expired yeast over 1 year old without any problems. Just give it time...days to get going.

Some of my washed yeast is over 1 year old and still going strong.

 

[TheSeether]

Uncracked grains should have a fairly long shelf life,

Anyone care to put a number on "fairly long"? Consider the grains sitting unopened in a 55# bag at room temperature.