Storing DE

[BradWilson]

Just bought a filter press and had to buy the 50# bag of DE. We're running out of room in the sugarhouse and I'd like to transfer some of the DE to a smaller container. What's anybody else doing? Thanks.

[johnallin]

Just bought a filter press and had to buy the 50# bag of DE. We're running out of room in the sugarhouse and I'd like to transfer some of the DE to a smaller container. What's anybody else doing? Thanks.

Keep it dry and sealed up from moisture and fumes, and remember it’s the last thing your syrup touches!
Because I’m lucky enough to have a local dealer; I only buy a year’s worth at a time, even then I keep it in an airtight container.

[DRoseum]

5 gallon food grade bucket with lid.

[DrTimPerkins]

If you store any DE for next season, an airtight bucket is best. Be sure to smell it before using it next year to see if it has gone musty...in which case you should toss it.

[TapTapTap]

If you store any DE for next season, an airtight bucket is best. Be sure to smell it before using it next year to see if it has gone musty...in which case you should toss it.

My wife takes the excess and gives it to the chickens. They use it for dust baths and it apparently kills mites.


Ken

[maple flats]

I always used 5 gal food grade buckets, inserted a new plastic bag and filled up to near the top. Then I twisted the top, laid the twist down and capped the bucket tight. When I buy a 50# bag it usually lasts me 2-3 seasons, I never had any go musty. Since I pack syrup into retail containers several times each year, one bucket in the off season can last over a year after opening. Still never any off smell, but test it every time you open or re-open the bucket.

[DrTimPerkins]

My wife takes the excess and gives it to the chickens. They use it for dust baths and it apparently kills mites.

It’ll kill slugs in the garden too.

[craigwade2005]

I use a 5 gallon bucket with a gamma seal lid.
I toss the DE into a food safe bag in the bucket just to be safe, twist it and put the top on.
I also got some Silica packets off Amazon and toss one in the bottom of the bucket and one on top before closing (Outside the bag with the DE in it).

[DRoseum]

It’ll kill slugs in the garden too.

Anyone ever use the filter cake from your press in your garden for this purpose?

[BradWilson]

I use a 5 gallon bucket with a gamma seal lid.
I toss the DE into a food safe bag in the bucket just to be safe, twist it and put the top on.
I also got some Silica packets off Amazon and toss one in the bottom of the bucket and one on top before closing (Outside the bag with the DE in it).

This was the route I was going to take but wanted to make sure. Thank you all.

[TapTapTap]

This is from the VT Sugarmaker's Association sugarhouse certification checklist:


"5.13 Verify that any diatomaceous earth used is food grade and is kept
in its original bag, which when opened is placed in a clean, dry
container with a lid"

I think this is poorly worded, impractical, and overly restrictive. It makes no sense to have an entire bag which you would need to constantly open and close next to the sugaring operation. I think it's more sanitary and more practical to have a smaller container (food grade of course) for the daily use while storing the remaining DE in the clean dry container. I also think it's laughable that you don't need to store the DE in the clean dry place until it's opened!

Ken

[johnallin]

This is from the VT Sugarmaker's Association sugarhouse certification checklist:


"5.13 Verify that any diatomaceous earth used is food grade and is kept
in its original bag, which when opened is placed in a clean, dry
container with a lid"

I think this is poorly worded, impractical, and overly restrictive. It makes no sense to have an entire bag which you would need to constantly open and close next to the sugaring operation. I think it's more sanitary and more practical to have a smaller container (food grade of course) for the daily use while storing the remaining DE in the clean dry container. I also think it's laughable that you don't need to store the DE in the clean dry place until it's opened!

Ken

I agree.
I get mine in 5 lb bags from Richard’s Maple, and then break out into a FG 8 qt container for daily use during season.
Just don’t make enough syrup to justify buying 50 lbs and the cost is insignificant.
One year I had some off tasting syrup and still suspect it was the DE, it tasted awesome before the filtering.