Unused malt extract - how to store?

[DHuang]

Hi everyone:

I'm a new brewer (almost done with the first-ever batch!) and I've been lurking on these boards for about a month, but this is my first post. First of all, thanks to everyone for all the great information - it's been really helpful and informative.

My question is, what's the best way to store unused malt extract for future use?

For my first batch, I bought the Liberty Cream Ale extract kit from Midwest Supplies and cut it in half to make a 2.5 gallon batch. I'd like to make the other 2.5 gallons sometime in the future, and I wanted to figure out what the best way to preserve the unused half of the extract would be. It's currently sitting in a 1-quart plastic jug in my fridge.

Will it keep in the fridge for a while? Can I put it in the freezer and thaw it when I want to use it later?

Thanks so much for your help.

-DHuang

[darylM]

Well it sounds like u are using LME so the fridge is the best place

[markaberrant]

LME doesn't even stay fresh in a sealed can, let alone a jug in the fridge. I would just dump it and switch to DME.

[Mill Rat]

Or freeze it in smaller portions and use to make yeast starters. For the short time I did extract brewing, I only used LME when I knew I'd use the whole can. Thoughts of cleaning up the fridge after a half-empty can was dumped by kids pulling a milk jug out from the back of the shelf sent chills down my spine.

[DHuang]

Thanks for your thoughts, guys. It seems a shame to dump it, though. I opened the jug about a week and a half ago. Would it still be good if I used the rest next week?

Thanks