for how long can I store sugar, flour?

[sanguine_speed]

I have the opportunity to save a bundle by purchasing sugar and flour in bulk.
For instance, organic fair trade sugar costs $5.55 for 1kg, or I can buy 22.68kg for $64.76, which is just $2.85 kg. I was thinking of trying to split the 22.68kg with friends, but I may only be able to 'sell' 5-10kg. Can I store 15kg of sugar? For how long? How to store it?

Thanks!

Oh, ditto flour, please.

[luv-my-boys]

hmmm I've never stored that much. I think some of it would depend on how fast you go thru it, the conditions it is stored in and what type of container. I purchased storage containers (5 gal.) at a restuarant supply store. they are commercial storage containers so I feel confident that they help keep stuff "fresh" I use them to store the organic flour we bought an rice but we go thru these quite quickly. I have them stored in a cool dry place and we have no critters to bother it.

[cristeen]

Sugar can store indefinitely if you can keep it dry and pest-free (ants, mice, roaches, etc.). So you need something airtight. Flour is not so easy - since it comes with it's own pests. Do you have the space to freeze the flour, even for a few days? That kills off any insect eggs in the flour, which makes it store for longer. And then you'd just need the same precautions as the sugar - dry and pest-free.

[ollyoxenfree]

Sugar should be fine in an air-tight container for quite a while.

My rule of thumb for white, all-purpose flour is 6 months, less for whole grains since they go rancid more quickly. Store in air-tight containers in a cool, dry place. You can freeze flour and it will last longer, but I don't have that much freezer space, so I've never done it.

[sanguine_speed]

Originally Posted by ollyoxenfree

Sugar should be fine in an air-tight container for quite a while.

My rule of thumb for white, all-purpose flour is 6 months, less for whole grains since they go rancid more quickly. Store in air-tight containers in a cool, dry place. You can freeze flour and it will last longer, but I don't have that much freezer space, so I've never done it.

Great, thanks.

We live in a very cold climate and have a large uninsulated garage that falls below 0 regularly. It might be an ideal place to keep an airtight container--as long as it is truly airtight and critters can't get into it.
We do have a small chest freezer in the garage we might be able to use also.
I am not sure where to get food-grade storage containers. Someone mentioned a restaurant supply store? I will have to see if there is one around. I live in a pretty big town (about 1,000,000) so I can't imagine there'd be none!
Thanks once again.