Food Storage: Long-Term Grain Storage - Complete Guide to Mylar Bagging

Preparation
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Food Storage: Long-Term Grain Storage - Complete Guide to Mylar Bagging

Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate
Time to Complete: 60-90 minutes

Overview

Grains form the foundation of any long-term food storage. This comprehensive guide covers selecting, preparing, and storing grains for 25-30 year shelf life using the Mylar bag method.

GRAINS FOR LONG-TERM STORAGE

Best Grains (25-30 year shelf life):

Grain Protein Calories/lb Shelf Life Notes
White rice 7% 1,600 30+ years Best overall
Wheat berries 13% 1,500 30+ years Grind for flour
Oats (rolled) 17% 1,700 25-30 years Quick cooking
Corn (dried) 9% 1,600 25-30 years Versatile
Barley 10% 1,500 25-30 years Good for soups
Quinoa 14% 1,700 25-30 years Complete protein

AVOID for Long-Term:

  • Brown rice (oils go rancid, 5-8 years max)
  • Whole wheat flour (goes rancid quickly)
  • Cornmeal (short shelf life)
  • Any grain with germ intact

SUPPLIES NEEDED

Essential:

  • 5-gallon food-grade buckets (HDPE #2)
  • 5-gallon Mylar bags (5-7 mil thickness)
  • Oxygen absorbers (2000cc for 5-gallon bags)
  • Heat sealer (hair straightener works in pinch)
  • Funnel (for pouring grain)
  • Scoop or cup
  • Permanent marker for labeling
  • Clean, dry workspace

Optional but Helpful:

  • Bucket lid lifter
  • Iron (for sealing if no heat sealer)
  • Vacuum sealer (not necessary but helpful)
  • Grain mill (for wheat berries)
  • Large containers for intermediate storage

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

1. Prepare Your Workspace

  • Clean, dry, indoor location
  • Low humidity ideal (under 50%)
  • Lay down clean tarps or sheets
  • Have all supplies ready before starting

2. Inspect and Prepare Grain

  • Check for moisture (should be crispy dry)
  • Remove any debris or foreign material
  • If concerned about bugs, freeze grain 4 days first
  • Bring to room temperature before bagging

3. Insert Mylar Bag into Bucket

  • Open Mylar bag carefully (don’t puncture)
  • Place inside 5-gallon bucket
  • Fold top edges over bucket rim
  • Ensures stability during filling

4. Fill the Bag

  • Use funnel for clean pouring
  • Fill to within 2-3 inches of top
  • Leave room for oxygen absorber
  • Shake bucket to settle grain
  • Add more grain if needed

5. Add Oxygen Absorbers

  • Open absorber package immediately before use
  • Drop 2000cc absorber into bag (or two 1000cc)
  • Work quickly (absorbers activate on exposure to air)
  • Ensure absorber is buried in grain

6. Seal the Bag

  • Press out as much air as possible
  • Wipe sealing area clean and dry
  • Use heat sealer at 350-400°F
  • Make 1/4 inch wide seal
  • Double seal for extra security

7. Final Steps

  • Label with contents and date
  • Place lid on bucket
  • Store in cool, dark, dry location
  • Wait 24 hours, check bags are tight (absorber worked)

OXYGEN ABSORBER SIZING

Container Size Grain Type Absorber Needed
1 gallon Mylar Rice/Wheat 500cc
2 gallon Mylar Rice/Wheat 1000cc
5 gallon Mylar Rice/Wheat 2000cc
1 gallon Mylar Beans 500cc
5 gallon Mylar Beans 2000-2500cc

Note: Beans need more absorber due to air pockets.

STORAGE CONDITIONS

Ideal Environment:

  • Temperature: 50-60°F (cooler is better)
  • Humidity: 15% or lower
  • Dark (no light exposure)
  • Stable temperature (no fluctuations)
  • Pest-free area

Good Locations:

  • Basement (if dry)
  • Interior closet
  • Under bed (in climate-controlled home)
  • Dedicated storage room

Avoid:

  • Attic (temperature extremes)
  • Garage (pests, temperature, fumes)
  • Direct sunlight
  • Near water heater/furnace
  • Areas with flooding risk

ROTATION & MAINTENANCE

Annual Check:

  • Inspect buckets for damage
  • Check Mylar bags are still tight
  • Verify labels are legible
  • Look for signs of pests
  • Check for moisture or condensation

Rotation Schedule:

  • White rice: 30 years
  • Wheat berries: 30 years
  • Rolled oats: 25-30 years
  • Plan to use oldest first
  • Replace as you consume

COST BREAKDOWN (Approximate)

Per 5-Gallon Bucket:

  • Bucket with lid: $5-8
  • Mylar bag: $2-3
  • Oxygen absorbers: $1-2
  • Grain (white rice): $10-15
  • Total per bucket: $18-28
  • Cost per pound: ~$0.50-0.75

Bulk Buying Tips:

  • Buy grains in 25-50 lb bags
  • Purchase supplies in bulk
  • Watch for sales at grocery stores
  • Consider co-op buying with others

TROUBLESHOOTING

Bag Not Tight After 24 Hours:

  • Absorber may have been exposed too long
  • Seal may not be complete
  • Check for pinhole leaks
  • Re-bag if concerned

Grain Moist:

  • Should be crispy dry before bagging
  • Consider adding desiccant packs
  • Don’t store moist grain (will mold)

Pests Found:

  • Freeze grain 4 days before bagging next time
  • Ensure clean workspace
  • Check storage area for infestation
  • Discard affected grain

QUICK REFERENCE: Mylar Bagging Checklist

Before Starting:

  • Clean, dry workspace prepared
  • All supplies gathered
  • Grain inspected and ready
  • Oxygen absorbers opened only when needed

During Process:

  • Mylar bag placed in bucket
  • Grain filled to proper level
  • Oxygen absorber added quickly
  • Air pressed out before sealing
  • Double seal applied
  • Bucket labeled with contents and date

After Completion:

  • Lids secured on buckets
  • Stored in appropriate location
  • 24-hour check completed (bags tight)
  • Inventory updated

Food Storage Series - Vivaed @ endscenar.io

Sources: USDA Grain Storage Guidelines, LDS Church Home Storage Center, Backwoodshome Magazine, Practical Self-Reliance

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