by Webmaster
Storing Wheat Berries
May 22, 2010 in Wheat Berries by Webmaster
Wheat Berries Shelf Life
Hard red spring wheat berries have an extended shelf life. The ‘hard’ part of their name comes from the bran layer. It is truly hard and is a great barrier to oxygen. That’s really very helpful because the fatty acids in the germ of the wheat berry are easily damaged by oxygen. Oxygen begins a process of rancidity in wheat flour that is not protected from air. Wheat berries are a terrific little package of nature. The bran is the armor in protecting the nutrients on the inside; until you open the bran, by cracking, grinding, toasting or soaking, the hard shell keeps the contents of the wheat berry fresh.
Wheat berries are actually the seed that has the potential to grow a wheat plant – the embryo or germ contains the genetic code and the endosperm (white flour) contains most of the energy to start the plant’s growth. This is why you can sprout wheat from your stored wheat berries.
A Storage Lesson from History
Wheat berries have been found in the Egyptian pyramids, it was part of the storage for the pharaoh’s trip to wherever he was going. The part of the story that may be a fable (in addition to the dead Pharaoh being able to eat the wheat himself) is that the wheat berries sprouted after all those thousands of years of being stored in a cool, dry environment. Well, the mummies were well preserved, so it stands to reason that the wheat berries were well preserved also. Right? It has not been verified that it is true that the berries were sprouted, which of course, would mean that the germ was still alive. But part of the fable is a good bit of advice.
Storing Wheat Berries and Whole Wheat
Store wheat berries in a cool, dry environment that is safe from insects. Insects love to eat wheat or whole wheat flour, but are not too thrilled with refined white flour. Many people have accomplished long storage life by keeping their wheat berries in dry sealed containers.
Using carbon dioxide (CO2) from dry ice to replace the oxygen before closing it protects the wheat berries even more. CO2 is heavier than oxygen and goes to the bottom of the container, pushing the oxygen out the top and killing any insects in the process.
With or without the CO2, store wheat berries in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place. If you live in a warm climate, store them in the refrigerator or freezer where they can be safely kept for years. Do not wash wheat prior to storage, as it increases the moisture content and the keeping quality.
Truman Miller said on June 21, 2011
What about 55 gal. drums for storing wheat? How much dry ice does it need? What about using nitrogen?
Joyce Bunderson said on June 23, 2011
I am not an expert in the storage of wheat berries. When I have stored them, I have had them treated and packed for me. I’ve heard of different methods, but am not really aware of the best methods or the implications for the different methods. My best guess is that some of the survival food storage-type stores will give you the best advice. Be sure to remind them, if you are planning to sprout it at a future time.
Sending my best,
Joyce
alice jakeman said on October 4, 2011
We inherited a large supply of 20-year stored wheat in large containers. Most of them were not airtight and some of it was loose in galvanized cans. The wheat has an old smell and I tried to sprout it with no success. Do you think it would still be good? How can I find out. I don’t want to keep it if it isn’t good.
Joyce Bunderson said on October 5, 2011
Because wheat has such a hard surface, it is probably safe to use. Since it was in cans, it probably has not been exposed to chemicals. Inspect it a bit, if you see evidence of insects, you may not be hungry enough to use it, but if you were starving, you would probably rinse it and cook it. Even if there are no insects, you may want to rinse it off and try using it, by grinding it to cracked wheat (use in tabbouleh recipes or hot cereal) or cook it whole and use as whole wheat berries (soups or salads) or grind it and use as whole wheat flour. The nutrients are under the hard bran layer and so it is still a high fiber, high nutrient ingredient. If any of the wheat has been broken to cracked wheat or flour, throw the ground or cracked wheat away; it will have become rancid and is no longer good.
If you discover it is still quite delicious in cooked recipes, in addition, you may want to preserve it again (there are companies that can treat your whole grain in the cans). Or if you can’t imagine using all that wheat and don’t want to have it ‘hanging around for years’ consider giving it away. Some of your neighbors may want to store a few pounds in their freezer – no treatment necessary to keep it for more years.
All wheat really needs is a dry place away from chemicals and bugs.
Good health can be yummy!
Joyce
Diana said on April 19, 2012
I have dried wheat berries in a plastic bag from the health food store (twister-tied), probably 4 or more years old. Are they edible or can I plant them in the raised bed in my backyard in metro Denver? They have been in the cupboard or on the counter…just wondering
Joyce Bunderson said on April 19, 2012
Dear Diana,
The bran layer of whole dry wheat berries is surprisingly sturdy. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that they will still sprout. Why not try to sprout a few in your kitchen to save yourself from the harder work of planting in the garden. If they stayed fairly dry, I think your chances are great.
Best to you,
Joyce