Wheat storage basics

Did you know that cereal grains are grown in greater quantities and provide more food energy worldwide than any other type of crop? They are one of the foundation foods that humans consume. In the United States, wheat is one of the most common grains that people begin to store. Hikingware.com thinks you should ask yourself these questions about wheat: Why is wheat so great to store? What kind of wheat should I store? How should wheat be stored? And, how can I use wheat?

History has shown wheat’s role in human survival. From Biblical stories to American Pioneer experiences, we know it works as a way to sustain life in a crisis.

Pound for pound, wheat is one of the least expensive foods available. Because grain products will expand in your stomach (satisfying you even if you eat less), using wheat products can help you stretch your budget by eliminating the need for store-bought, overpriced, and over-processed goods.

Wheat provides protein.

If you are concerned that your food storage may be lacking in protein, a good supply of wheat and legumes will form a complete protein. Just a half cup of uncooked wheat contains eight to 10 grams of protein. So, not only will wheat give you the protein needed for muscle growth and repair, but you will have a low-fat complex carbohydrate to give your body the energy it needs to make it through the day.

What kind of wheat should I store?

That all depends on what you’ll be making with it.

Hard red winter wheat is excellent for making hearty, whole wheat loaves of bread, or to use in recipes as an extender for red meat. Hard white winter wheat contains a more delicate flavor than the hard red wheat and can be used to make light and fluffy bread, rolls, and scones. It can also be used in recipes as an extender for white meat. Both of these varieties of hard wheat are high in protein and fiber.

Soft white wheat kernels are larger and plumper than red wheat kernels, are of a softer texture, and have weaker gluten strength. This wheat is used to make flaky pastries, pie crust, cakes, crackers, and breakfast cereals. Because of its lower gluten and protein content, it is not recommended for use in breads.

How to store wheat.

Whole wheat kernels will store longer and better than when ground up into flour. When storing your wheat at home, make sure it is in containers specifically identified on the label as food storage containers.

It is best to purchase wheat with a moisture content level less than 10 percent. Heat, moisture, oxygen, and light are the enemies to preserving food for an extended period. Two of the best ways to properly store wheat are in a #10 can with an oxygen absorber , or sealed within a metallized plastic bag with an oxygen absorber, then placed in a bucket.

Always store your wheat in a cool, dry place to ensure the longest shelf life. The cooler and least fluctuating temperature (between 40-75° F), the better.

A Brief Warning.

If you have celiac disease, you can't eat any foods that contain gluten (including wheat, rye, barley, and oats). Dropping gluten from your diet usually improves the condition within a few days and eventually ends the symptoms of the disease. So instead of storing wheat or oats, you can store rice – it lasts just as long as wheat, as long as it is stored properly.