How to store seeds correctly: in the country or in a city apartment

Main value sunflower is the high oil content of its seeds, but in order to obtain high-quality oil from them, it is necessary to properly process sunflower and organize the storage of seeds. If you do not pay due attention to this, the quality and quantity vegetable oil will suffer.

Why are untreated sunflower seeds not stored well?

Storage of sunflower seeds in unsuitable conditions - at high temperature and humidity, leads to chemical changes in fats, and then proteins. And since freshly harvested sunflower seeds are not very stable during storage, you first need to take care of their processing, which includes cleaning from impurities and drying the seeds.

Sunflower cultivation can be quite profitable business, if you follow agricultural practices, adhere to the sowing dates and, as well as establish proper storage of seeds. Indeed, in addition to vegetable oil, the industrial processing of sunflower seeds also produces other by-products - the sale of which brings good additional profit.

Growing sunflowers can be quite a profitable business if you follow agricultural practices.

Seed stability during storage is reduced due to their high humidity and high oil content. It is enough to leave a freshly harvested crop of high-oil varieties of sunflower for several hours without treatment, and due to the high moisture content of the seeds, their mass self-heating will begin, which will lead to a decrease in the quality of the oil.

Video about cleaning sunflower seeds with a color sorter

In sunflower, the process of self-heating occurs very quickly:

• first, the temperature of the seeds rises to +25 degrees, while the quality of the seeds remains unchanged;
• in the second stage, the temperature rises to +40 degrees, microorganisms on the seeds begin to develop rapidly, from which the taste of the seeds becomes bitter, the shine disappears, appears musty smell and mold. Such seeds are already considered defective, since the acidity of the oil in them is increased;
• when the temperature reaches +50 degrees, thermophilic bacteria develop, the bitterness and musty smell increase in the seeds, the kernels become dark yellow, the husk darkens;
• at the last, fourth stage, the temperature continues to rise, the nuclei become black or dark brown, and their defectiveness reaches 100%.

Why are sunflower seeds prone to self-heating? The reason lies in the fact that the normal microflora of sunflower seeds is represented by moldy fungi and epiphytic bacteria. Depending on the quality of seeds, their initial moisture and temperature in the embankment, hydrolytic and oxidative processes are more intense or less. Those sunflower seeds are well stored, the moisture content of which is less than 7%, and the temperature does not exceed +10 degrees.

Aggravates the heterogeneity of seeds in terms of moisture round-the-clock harvesting

Another reason for the poor shelf life of sunflower is due to the fact that seeds ripen unevenly in baskets - they differ not only in size and maturity, but also in moisture. The heterogeneity of seeds in terms of moisture is aggravated by round-the-clock harvesting.

Treatment of sunflower seeds before storage

For processing sunflower comes in the form of a mixture consisting of: intact seeds; broken, rotten, sprouted, frost-damaged and underdeveloped seeds; fragments of stems, inflorescences and baskets; lumps of earth, stones, dust, etc. The weed admixture is very hygroscopic, its moisture content is twice as high as that of the seeds; under such conditions, microorganisms develop much faster. Therefore, the harvested seed crop must be subjected to double purification from impurities.

During the first purification from light and large impurities, air cleaners are used, the sieve diameter of which is 1.2-1.5 cm. The second cleaning from fine litter is carried out using air-sieve separators. Before the cleaning procedure, the seeds are stored at a humidity of not more than 12% under conditions of active ventilation.

Sunflower seed processing

Seeds, cleaned of impurities, are sent for drying, which is carried out mainly in mine grain dryers in strict accordance with industry standards. normative documents. If the moisture content of sunflower seeds was increased, two or three times drying is carried out. The main thing in the drying process is to preserve the quality of the oil in the seeds and its quantity. Most High Quality oil can be achieved after high-temperature drying of seeds in recirculating grain dryers.

Sunflower storage in industrial conditions

For long-term storage seeds are suitable, the infestation of which does not exceed 2%, and the humidity after drying is 6-7%. At a low temperature, sunflower seeds treated in this way can be stored for three to six months, especially if their temperature was lowered from 0 to +10 degrees before storage.

Video about the line for cleaning and grading sunflower seeds

Store sunflower seeds in clean, pre-disinfected, dry rooms in fabric bags laid on wooden pallets six rows high. Seeds that are intended for industrial purposes are stored in bulk in elevators or in warehouses, having previously cooled them with the help of refrigerators or through active ventilation with air at a temperature not exceeding 10 degrees.

So that mold does not appear on sunflower seeds, dry and gray rot or an infection of sclerotinia, six months before sowing, the seed material is treated with apron or roveral. Manganese or zinc sulphate is also added to the treater to increase the germination of seeds and increase the mass of seeds in baskets.

Few foods are as shrouded in myths and misconceptions as seeds. Someone believes that they are tasty and necessary for a person in any form, but for someone, husking seeds is an almost indecent occupation. Let's try to find out what is the use of seeds and how to buy and store them correctly so as not to harm yourself.

The buyer should not have the opinion that such a food product as seeds is a trifle, click and forget. Seeds are a complete and nutritious product. And you should be as attentive to their purchase as to the choice of the main ingredients of the daily diet.

What are the benefits of seeds?

Seeds are a source of vegetable protein, dietary fiber, fat-soluble vitamins A and D, as well as groups B and C and trace elements. Few people know that this product contains calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium, potassium. Due to their composition, seeds improve the functioning of the digestive system, are able to regulate acidity (for some, they help get rid of heartburn). Vitamins contained in seeds have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart system, strengthen hair and improve skin condition, and even have a therapeutic effect on diseases such as acne.

Speaking about the benefits of seeds, one cannot ignore the light psychotherapeutic effect of the process of their purification and use. You have probably come across many times that after eating one or two pieces of seeds, it is already difficult to stop. The monotony of the process calms the nervous system: the hands are busy, and the head is freed from bad thoughts, the impact of the negative environment is reduced.

Types of seeds and their benefits

First of all, when they say seeds, they mean sunflower seeds. This is the main favorite of the people. But just as popular are sesame and flaxseeds. They should not be bypassed, but how they are useful, and in order to know who and how to choose them, we will summarize in the table.

Like any high-fat food, seeds should be consumed in moderation. For even useful material in excess turn into poison - remember this!

The right choice of seeds

What are the benefits of seeds, we discussed above. Now it's time to talk about how to choose them.

Seeds of any kind can be sold both in the husk and already peeled. The first option is preferable, since in the air the unprotected seed quickly oxidizes and goes rancid. And the chance to buy a contaminated and contaminated product is higher if it is purified. The outer shell of the seeds should be free of spots and uniform in color, smooth.

Seeds are sold, as a rule, already cooked - fried or dried. Of course, drying seeds - the best way, because a fair amount of useful substances are preserved. But most often they use frying - it’s easier and tastier, but their benefits from this method of processing are reduced. Therefore, many manufacturers are switching to high-tech drying-roasting of seeds with hot air, which allows them to preserve their properties as much as possible.

When choosing seeds, you should pay attention to their origin and manufacturer. Sunflower, for example, is very sensitive to environment. If a lot of fertilizer has been used in growing seeds, the seed absorbs harmful chemicals from the soil. As a result, the content of cadmium is often exceeded in the composition of seeds.

If you choose seeds in a scattering, try a couple of pieces. The taste should not be rancid, and the color should not be yellow. They should not contain foreign impurities and litter. If you buy seeds in a package, pay attention to its integrity (the package should not be deflated) and the shelf life. Metallized packaging and vacuum preserve the properties of seeds the most.

How to store seeds properly?

Now you know what seeds are useful for and how to choose them. Some information on how to properly store them.

This product at a temperature not exceeding 20 degrees and humidity up to 75%. If the seeds are in the package, then it does not need to be opened. If you bought seeds in bulk, then they should be put in an airtight container and placed in a dark, dry place. The peeled seeds are best stored in the refrigerator, this increases their shelf life. You can divide the product into several handfuls, tightly wrap them in bags and place them in the freezer.

Knowing these simple rules for choosing and storing seeds, you will provide your daily diet with this nutritious and useful product. After all, it is not for nothing that sunflower and pumpkin seeds have been popular since ancient times, and although we recently heard about the benefits of the rest, they also deserve universal recognition.

• Shelf life: 10 months
• Shelf life: 10 months
• Shelf life in the refrigerator: not specified
• Freezer time: not specified

Sunflower fruits are seeds. They are very tasty as well as healthy. Nutrients and substances needed by the body are contained in the seeds. They contain vitamins from A to E. They are biologically important for the human body, and also affect many organs. Even the skin gets better with the introduction of sunflower fruits into your diet. A large number of important macronutrients are also obtained by eating seeds. Minerals have a positive effect on human systems, digestion is stimulated, blood vessels can be cleared of cholesterol plaques. The seeds contain a lot of magnesium. And it is simply necessary for immunity, nervous and of cardio-vascular system. Sunflower seeds contain fatty acid. These substances are very useful for the body. Also, do not forget about the essential amino acids that are included in the seeds.

Since ancient times, people have been using sunflower seeds as a relaxing remedy. The clicking of seeds is very relaxing and soothing. Nervous system begins to relax when chewing. Seeds can be used as a prevention of myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis and diseases of the cardiovascular system. They can also help themselves if there are problems with the liver and bile ducts. Sunflower seeds are similar to other types of seeds, but they still have folic acid and vitamin B6, which is very important.

Except useful properties These seeds, unfortunately, also have harmful ones. People with overweight you should be careful, because when eating seeds, you can gain weight. They are very high in calories. So if you want to lose weight, you will have to reduce the consumption of sunflower fruits. The seeds have a hard shell, with which they are much more useful. When cleansed, nutrients begin to disappear. Therefore, it is advised to use unpeeled seeds. But it starts to deteriorate tooth enamel because the shell needs to be cracked open. It is important to know the shelf life of seeds, as over time they become harmful. The more time passes, the less useful substances remain in the seeds. Cadmium appears, and the body may be threatened big problems. It turned out so interesting that seeds are both useful and harmful. The body receives useful substances, but at the same time extra calories and cadmium. Therefore, it is worthwhile to think carefully about the amount of consumption of these seeds. Seeds should not be consumed by singers and people who need to monitor their voice, as the seeds have an enveloping effect and affect the throat. Seeds that are properly dried should be stored at a temperature of up to + 20 degrees and a humidity of not more than 75 percent. The room should be free of odors and well ventilated. If all this is observed, then the shelf life of the seeds is no more than 10 months. If tightened over time, then taste qualities will start to deteriorate. The aroma will also disappear, and the taste will become rancid. If the seeds are processed and roasted, they can be stored a little more. Shelf life of roasted seeds packaged and packaged in vacuum packaging from polypropylene tape will be up to 12 months. Or maybe a little longer, it all depends on the quality of the packaging.

Summer chores are long over, the seeds are collected, dried, stacked. It remains only to save them. ahead long winter, and not all seeds will survive it, however, there are storage methods in which germination is practically not lost.

Why do you need to collect and store the seeds yourself? Today there are so many stores that seem to have everything.

• First, you can be sure that you plant exactly what you need.
• Secondly, own seeds are a significant savings.

What determines the survival of seeds?

Seed moisture

This is, of course, the most important factor that affects the safety of seeds. If the humidity is high, the seeds can germinate, become moldy and even simply rot. That is why absolutely dry material is laid for storage. At home, seeds for drying are poured onto paper and left in a well-ventilated area.

Seed storage temperature

The higher the temperature, the more actively the seeds breathe. And if they breathe, then they can germinate. Ideal temperature regime- about 12-16 degrees. Storage of seeds of many plant species under room temperature can lead to a complete loss of germination.

Such a fate will befall marigolds, zinnia, asters. But the seeds of lettuce and some types of exotic greens are better not to be placed in the refrigerator: they, on the contrary, need heat. After cool storage, they are likely to go to the arrow.

Purity

Try to store only clean seeds, without additional debris, otherwise they are in danger of rotting and damage by seed pests.

Air

Air is necessary for all living things, but seeds - only in very limited quantities. Therefore, they try to remove almost all the air from the bags. The only exceptions are large seeds of legumes. They are stored in linen bags or regular jars.

Darkness

Light stimulates growth, so seeds should be stored in complete darkness. Until it's time to land. Therefore, it is quite fair to say that at this stage darkness is a friend of the harvest .

Where to store seeds?

You can store seeds in almost any room, but the kitchen is the worst for this purpose: there are too often changes in humidity and temperature.

personally harvested seeds Can be wrapped in film or paper. But it is best in jars or containers with airtight lids. To avoid the appearance excess moisture, put a few grains of silica gel into each container (small bags with it are in each shoe box and not only).

A cellar or basement is well suited for storage; in an apartment, place the seeds somewhere under the bed, closer to the floor, it is cooler there than, for example, on a closet.

How to store seeds?

Do not be lazy and label all bags. You will see, this will significantly reduce losses. planting material just because you can't remember what the seeds are.

It is convenient to decompose bags of seeds according to the principle of when to plant what. Some gardeners contrive to solder the seeds into the pages of photo albums, accompanying this with appropriate inscriptions. fit well and plastic containers for small items storage. Also the usual glass jars with screw cap.

Does the seed have an expiration date?

Another important note on the packet of own seeds- the month and year when they were collected, to control future germination.

• The least stored seeds are onions, carrots, marigolds, asters, parsley, calendula and annual phlox. All of them do not lose their germination only in the first, maximum second year;
• Three to four years the seeds of cabbage, radish, radish, eggplant and peppers, petunias, mallows and lavatera will last;
• Large seeds are stored the longest, up to 5-7 years. These are seeds of peas, beans, beans, nasturtiums, beets, sweet pea, pumpkins, zucchini, as well as balsams, gillyflowers, cornflowers.

At first glance, it turns out a bit complicated so many criteria and conditions for proper storage seeds so that they do not lose their germination and do not rot in the end. But it only seems. All the rules are simple and logical and will quickly become a habit. And you will always have seeds at hand excellent quality. Now only them remain.

Sunflower is a whimsical and tender plant. It needs a special cultivation technology, and the harvested crop needs special conditions storage.

In seeds familiar from childhood with high temperatures and humidity may change first chemical composition fats, and then proteins, which will turn them into a completely useless and tasteless product.

Why are sunflower seeds stored poorly?

Sunflower seeds are not easy to store for two main reasons:

• Tendency to self-heat. This amazing feature manifests itself if the harvested crop is left in unfavorable conditions for only a few hours. Excessive humidity and temperature will serve as catalysts. A significant oil content inside the seeds will speed up the process.

  When internal temperature seeds rises to 25 degrees, their quality remains unchanged. But then its growth is possible up to 40 or more, which leads to the rapid development of microorganisms and thermophilic bacteria. They turn the seeds into a bitter inedible product with musty smell. They will have to be thrown away.

• Seeds poured into baskets ripen unevenly, as they differ in size, maturity and moisture levels. If they are not dried quickly, the sunflower fruits will disappear.

Drying sunflower seeds before storage

The first step to preserving seeds is drying them. This procedure will help to save nutritional value sunflower fruits and protect against spoilage. For drying, you can use:

• Special dryers. If there are a lot of seeds, then this method is the most suitable. The devices have various modes, allowing to take into account both the moisture content of the fruits and the oil content in them.
• Electric dryer. She will come in handy at home. Sunflower seeds are processed in it from a quarter of an hour to twenty minutes at a temperature of 50–80 degrees. The duration depends on the moisture content of the fruit.
• Oven. The seeds are dried on a baking sheet to the desired state at a temperature of 130-150 degrees in twenty or twenty-five minutes. The oven door must remain ajar.
• Fresh air. You need to dry the seeds by spreading them thin layer on gauze or paper. If the day is warm and sunny, the product will be ready in three to four hours. Seeds must be periodically mixed so that drying takes place evenly.

The easiest way to dry sunflower fruits right on the stem. But this is only possible when the weather long time kept dry and sunny.

If there is a lot of debris and dirt in the seeds, then before drying, it is advisable to rinse them thoroughly in cold water. running water. For this procedure, you can use a colander.

Storage of sunflower seeds

After drying, sunflower seeds are laid out in paper bags or fabric bags. Do not use plastic containers: the product will quickly go rancid in it.

Packages or bags filled with sunflower seeds can be placed:

• In a dry and cool place. Ideal Conditions storage: temperature up to 10 degrees; humidity - 7%. In such premises, seeds can be stored for up to six months.
• In the refrigerator in the places reserved for vegetables with fruits. Seeds will remain in a normal state for up to a year. Do not send them to the freezer.