Grain freshness

[Hub Brewer]

Hey everybody, just a quick poll to the audience. I've been a bit delayed getting my all-grain setup completed (finally ready to go, I think). My question is how long after my grains have been crushed are they still reasonably useable? They were crushed 3 weeks ago and I know they say they'll be fresh for about 2 weeks. Would I really notice a difference at this point? Seems a shame to waste them, and I'd like to have something to blame if things go south...
Thoughts?

Pete

[pet lion]

Definitely good. It's has been brought up here before.

[mr x]

Keep them cool and dry, and limit exposure to air as much as possible. They'll stay fresh a long time.

[Hub Brewer]

Good to hear. Thanks guys.

[canuck]

If you are are storing base grains in a relatively cool and dry place with not a lot of humidity, grains will last you several months without losing any efficiency (even if they are milled). Storage conditions is key, and air tight containers are a must for prolonged grain life. Specialty grains will last even longer.

Here's a great little audio blurb about it from Bob Hanson from Briess Malt. Skip to the 5:20 mark.

http://ec.libsyn.com/p/8/5/7/857c6d46de ... id=1452109" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;