Ideas of what to do with spent grain
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Ideas of what to do with spent grain
I have run into a unexpected issue with all grain. What do you do with the 10-12 lbs of spent grain? The first time a made a giant mess with a small pitcher and a couple of plastic bags that went into the trash. the second time I thought i would most of it into the yard trimming bags that get picked up on Mondays. then the rest just gets hosed off into the yard.
I was wondering if anyone with more experience has a good method of disposing of spent grain, and the best way to clean out the Mash ton. I have the 48 quart box cooler.
Thanks guys
Jim
I was wondering if anyone with more experience has a good method of disposing of spent grain, and the best way to clean out the Mash ton. I have the 48 quart box cooler.
Thanks guys
Jim
- Rugger1978
- Craft Brewer
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- Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2011 4:21 pm
Re: Ideas of what to do with spent grain
I know gardeners love it for use as fertilizer!
Jared Rudy
Fat Back Brewing
On Tap: Irish Red Ale, Vienna Lager, American Wheat, Belgian Triple, Oatmeal Stout, Saison, Hard Cider
Primary: Oktoberfest-Marzen
Kegged/Ageing: Russian Imperial Stout, Oktoberfest-Marzen
Next Brew: Vienna Lager or an IPA
Fat Back Brewing
On Tap: Irish Red Ale, Vienna Lager, American Wheat, Belgian Triple, Oatmeal Stout, Saison, Hard Cider
Primary: Oktoberfest-Marzen
Kegged/Ageing: Russian Imperial Stout, Oktoberfest-Marzen
Next Brew: Vienna Lager or an IPA
Re: Ideas of what to do with spent grain
It can be composted; if you don't already it shouldn't be hard to find someone that does. Also it makes good animal feed; a lot of commercial breweries sell it to farmers. I have a dog so I spread it around the yard normally in bare spots that he sometimes creates to help the grass grow and hold down moisture. Then it will decompose faily quickly or get chopped up during the next yard mowing.
Frank Dillon
Twitter @JHawkBeerMaker
"I like beer. On occasion, I will even drink beer to celebrate a major event such as the fall of Communism or the fact that the refrigerator is still working.” – Dave Barry
Twitter @JHawkBeerMaker
"I like beer. On occasion, I will even drink beer to celebrate a major event such as the fall of Communism or the fact that the refrigerator is still working.” – Dave Barry
Re: Ideas of what to do with spent grain
Thanks guys I will look at a compost pile, I was thinking of doing dog treats but it only uses 4 cups of grain per batch.
- Rob Martin
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Re: Ideas of what to do with spent grain
We compost ours. It composts very well. The dog treats are nice, our dogs love them. Bad time of year to make them though as you need to keep your oven on low for 6 hours. There is also a spent grain bread recipe, both in the Recipe section. You can freeze it by placing it in a ziplock.
- Dale Wheeler
- Craft Brewer
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- Location: Lawrence, KS
Re: Ideas of what to do with spent grain
I posted it as "free compost material" on craigs list once and got someone interested. I put too much in the yard waste pickup a while back, and they wouldn't take it because it was too heavy. Bastards. Now I spread it under the bushes around my house for mulch.
Also a great ingredient in wheat bread, but it only uses a cup or two.
Also a great ingredient in wheat bread, but it only uses a cup or two.
Dale Wheeler
- Rob Martin
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- Joined: Mon Feb 27, 2006 6:14 pm
- Location: Lawrence
Re: Ideas of what to do with spent grain
I can hear your inflection when I read this.Dale Wheeler wrote: Bastards.
Re: Ideas of what to do with spent grain
Only thing I'd be concerned with on using it as mulch, or even (open) composting, is that it will start to rot and get green and fuzzy very quickly. I'm told it's not a very nice smell at all. Plus, with the residual sugars, it probably attracts ants and other bugs, etc, so I wouldn't want it around too close to the house.
The dog treat thing is GREAT, even if you don't have dogs. Give them to a neighbor who does, and they'll love your brewing even more.
Also the spent grain breads are awesome. I hadn't thought of freezing it, that was a nice tip. Links to any new favorite recipes would be welcome.
Matt
The dog treat thing is GREAT, even if you don't have dogs. Give them to a neighbor who does, and they'll love your brewing even more.
Also the spent grain breads are awesome. I hadn't thought of freezing it, that was a nice tip. Links to any new favorite recipes would be welcome.
Matt
Matt Bechtold
Anvil Chorus Brewing
Anvil Chorus Brewing