Best way to store grains?

[maltvault]

This is a long standing battle.. I personally crush 50 lbs. of base grain and shove it in a cooler; only 40 lbs fit so I bre that day. I have used base as old as 5 months, crystal/dark malts should keep longer; less moisture. MY THEORY ONLY.... Keep the little critters out and it should be fine.

Malt Vault

[xbrewer]

It's best to store grains whole until ready to use then mill soon before brewing. Keep them in an airtight rodent proof conatiner if possible in a cool place. Freezing sounds like a good idea for prolonged storage though I've never heard of anyone doing this. Several months of proper storage of whole grains should have little if any negative effect.

[brewdude]

A couple of years ago I kept about 5 lbs. from a 50 lb. bag of malt over the summer. I also had a pound or 2 of crystal. When I started brewing again in the fall it was kinda tough milling the grains. I'm gussing moisture (humidity) in my basement/brewhouse was on the high side during hte summer and caused the grain to change. I didn't notice a difference in brewing, just in milling.

[cyto]

What is the best way to store grains like Black Patent or Crystal? And also how long can they be Stored? Will freezing work?