Malt extract powders went hard

[kevinm]

Hiya Brewers,
I bought some 500g packets of Freeze dried Malt Extracts to use in brewing some kits. Unfortunately I didn't get to use them and they have been in a cupboard for 12 months.
I got them out today and the packaging is fully intact but the contents have gone solid like a brick.
They are all still within the use by date but not sure whether i can still use them. Any advice?
cheers,
Kevin.

 

[terrym]

Hiya Brewers,
I bought some 500g packets of Freeze dried Malt Extracts to use in brewing some kits. Unfortunately I didn't get to use them and they have been in a cupboard for 12 months.
I got them out today and the packaging is fully intact but the contents have gone solid like a brick.
They are all still within the use by date but not sure whether i can still use them. Any advice?
cheers,
Kevin.

How may packets have you got?!
What about having a go at breaking up the solid lump of one packet within the packet, perhaps within a clean polythene bag or two, (not on the worktop or it will go everywhere!), and then emptying out into a pan of hot water, and then simmer with continuous stirring until it has mostly dissolved. I would not boil. Then use as you would normally do.
If you have enough packets to make up a brew (even at small volumes) you could do what I suggested on each packet and use a hop tea of goldings or whatever you fancy to make your brew.

 

[MyQul]

I had that once. I just used a rolling pin to break it up. But I only used it for starters so I'm not sure if flavour would be effected

 

[kevinm]

Thanks Fellas,
I have 4 packets,
I think I will go ahead and use it.
cheers,
kevin

 

[clibit]

Would be a good idea to steep some grains and boil the liquid, chuck some hops in, this would freshen up the flavour and not a lot of work.

 

[kevinm]

hiya clibit,
Thanks for the advice.
I have some Muntons wort (kit) for yorkshire bitter, some medium toast grains n hops too. I will break the malt extract into small pieces to insure it dissolves properly and use some with sugar for primary and then on its own for secondary.
cheers,
kevin