GRAIN STORAGE & PROTECTION:

Codex food grade diatomaceous earth is a healthy non-toxic alternative to chemical contamination of stored grain. When the grain is to be used, food grade diatomaceous earth can be easily removed, but need not be. Since it is food grade, makes no difference in taste or cooking quality, and adds 15 trace minerals. Suggested grain storage use: 1 cup of DE will protect 50 lbs. of grain — 5 cups of food grade diatomaceous earth will protect 300 lbs. of grain — 7 lbs. of DE will protect 1500 lbs. of grain or seeds. One source advises only 1 to 2 lbs. of DE per ton of grain. When doing long term storage, I use 2 cups of food grade DE for every 50 pounds of grain.

A study done by ACRES, USA, Inc. advised that after 12 months of storage, the food grade diatomaceous earth treated material had 15 insects, compared to 4884 for malathion and 16,994 for untreated grain.

Use food grade DE in your cereals, oatmeal, wheat flour, pasta and other shelf items. I make pancakes with wheat flour that has DE in it and my kids cannot tell the difference. It is a simple way to stay healthy and keep the bugs out.

Food grade DE will also preserve your organic seeds. Food preserve packets can sometimes keep your seeds from germinating after a certain amount of time but food grade DE will preserve your seeds and they will still germinate.

Diatomaceous Earth has also been used in ancient times for agriculture and grain storage. The Chinese used it 4,000 years ago in grain. DE has also been found in Egyptian pyramids protecting grain from moisture and mold as well as insects. Other countries have used DE like Asia and Europe since the 1900’s. The agriculture industry uses DE to protect animal feed grains. Use DE to protect your grains, nuts, beans, legumes and rice. The government allows granaries and seed mills to use DE in grain and seed storage which is intended for human and animal use. DE is used in storage before food reaches supermarket shelves.

How to mix food grade DE in your food storage for grain, beans, rice, legumes, pasta, flour and nuts.

1.) For 1 lb of grain, empty it into a bowl (for easier mixing) and add 1/2 tsp of food grade DE and mix. Return to container and sprinkle a light layer on the top then seal.

2.) For 1 quart  add 1 tsp of food grade DE in a separate bowl with food. Mix well and return to jar. Sprinkle a light layer on the top and seal.

3.) For 25 lbs of grain add 1 Cup of food grade DE. Sprinkle the bottom of the container with food grade DE. Add a few inches of grain, about 3-4 inches. Using a sifter or metal colander, sprinkle a layer of DE. Repeat these steps until all the grain is treated. Put a lid on the the container and roll until all the kernels are coated. Sprinkle a light layer of DE on the top, then seal.

4.) For 100 lbs of grain, mix in layers as described above. Lightly sprinkle top layer with DE then seal.

5.) For flour, add 1 oz of DE to every 1 pound of flour, mix evenly. ( I do this in my wheat flour and bake as usual. I cannot tell the difference, neither can my family. I have no weevil in any of my grains.)