Sprouting wheat from a moisture compromised bag

[Sharon McK]

I received a free bag of local wheat. Upon opening it to start a batch of sprouts, there are weevils, which is ok, though fewer grains to sprout, but when bagging up to put in the freezer, I see there are also clumps of dust in the middle and bottom. The dust I assume to be the feces, but clumping indicates moisture, right? Is this bag usable for sprouting at all? I was thinking of treating with some vinegar in the soak, then if there is no mold growing, is that safe?

 

[lazy gardener]

Personally, I'd not bother to sprout that stuff. If I had it, I'd bury it in a hot compost or haul it to the dump. If you bring it in your house, you run the risk of infesting your kitchen pantry with the miserable bugs.

 

[Sharon McK]

Yes, that was why I was rebagging for the freezer, which happens to have room.

 

[aart]

The moisture/clumping would be from the weevils themselves processing the moisture naturally in the grain.

I'd make darn sure your freezer is subzero as some pests won't be killed by a typical freezer.

I process the wheat bran for my meal worm farm in a 300 degree oven for 30 minutes or so stirring frequently as I don't have a subzero freezer.

 

[Sharon McK]

Ah. Good to know re subzero, will turn it down to its lowest. Thank you.