Long term storage of DE

[RUSTYBUCKET]

As an offshoot to the Filter Aid Issue thread from a couple of weeks ago, what is the best way to store unused DE from season to season ? Akin to that, is there a shelf life for DE ?

Thanks in advance for all replies.

Rusty

[Urban Sugarmaker]

I would store in a cool, dry, sealed container. I went to an off flavor seminar at Verona this year and the speaker pointed out that "old" DE that was stored for a while can harbor mold that you might not see. This can cause an off flavor.

The recommendation was to try to only purchase about as much DE as you would use in a season. Myself, I have be using the same bag for 2 seasons now. So far no issues.

[mainebackswoodssyrup]

Use a plastic tote with a good cover. We've had the same bag for 3 seasons in our container.

[Russell Lampron]

I use a 5 gallon bucket with a tight fitting lid in the RO/canning & filtering room. I keep the bag of filter aid in a garbage bag and refill the 5 gallon bucket from that.

[Whitcomb Family Farm]

We keep our bag in a trash can with a locking lid. I have never had a mold issue but I have never had any get wet. My last bag lasted 12 years but now with pipeline and vacuum I should only get about 5 to 6 years out of the bag I bought last year