other grains

There are many other grains available besides wheat, corn, rice, barley and oats. Each of these grains, however, has a different oil and moisture content. It is important to be aware of these characteristics when choosing grains to store in your longer-term storage. If the oil content is too high, like brown rice or pearled barley, these grains may store better short term.

Available information on the storage life of these grains varies widely. I've tried to compile several source's worth of estimates. Some of these are not true grains, but are actually considered herbs, fruits, vegetables, or grasses, etc. Because they are treated like grains generally, I've grouped them together.

Amaranth

Can be popped like popcorn.2 Estimates of storage life vary significantly. Stores well anywhere from one year to ten in dark, cook, dry conditions.2

Barley

Stores well up to a year in dark, cook, dry conditions. In very hot climates, it will store better if tightly sealed and kept in a fridge. Long term storage estimates vary significantly. I've seen up to eight years. Barley has high levels of oils.

Buckwheat

Can be stored for up to six months if kept tightly sealed in the freezer. Storage life can be extended up to several years if stored in air-tight containers with oxygen absorbers.4

Einkorn

Wheat variant.

Emmer

Wheat variant that stores similarly well long term.

Flax

Needs to be stored in completely dark conditions. Will store well for just a few months in ideal conditions. You may be able to extend storage life up to one year if sealed in a container with oxygen absorbers and kept in a very cool area.4

Job's Tears

Can be stored for up to six months if kept tightly sealed in the freezer.

Kamut

Stores well in dark, cook, dry conditions. Has a lower moisture content than wheat. Some suggest that it will store as long or longer than wheat if a packaged correctly.1

Millet

Can be stored for up to six months if kept tightly sealed in the freezer. Container should be kept full of Millet.1 Other sources contradict this information and suggests that it stores well long term with proper packaging and storage conditions.2,4

Quinoa

Can be stored longer than one year if packaged correctly and kept in a cook, dark, dry location. Long term storage estimates are anywhere from 6 to 9 years.2 This grain must be rinsed before using. Needs air-tight packaging with oxygen absorbers to maximize storage life.4

Rye

One source gives it a storage life of several months.1 A different source lists rye as a soft grain that will store well for up to six year if properly stored.2

Sorghum

Only has a storage life of several months.

Spelt

Stores well up to a year in dark, cook, dry conditions if properly packaged.

Teff

Stores well up to a year in dark, cook, dry conditions if properly packaged.

Triticale

Stores well up to a year in dark, cook, dry conditions if properly packaged.

Wild Rice

Will store indefinitely if properly packaged and kept in ideal conditions.1

Sources:

1 - Grain Storage Guide

2 - Casaubon's Book (Sharon Astyk)
3 - Prudent Food Storage (Alan T. Hagan)

4 - All About Grains (USA Emergency Supply) - Also a good source for cooking specifics (i.e. how to make the best breads using these grains)