How to store corn
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Corn often contains a variety of impurities such as whole grains, broken kernels, flour particles, and other foreign materials. Due to its strong hygroscopic nature, high respiration rate, and the presence of numerous microorganisms, corn is prone to moisture accumulation, which can lead to mold growth and spoilage. Additionally, the small gaps between the kernels make it an ideal environment for pests to thrive. Therefore, after harvest, it is essential to sieve the corn thoroughly to remove these impurities before storing it.
Proper drying, cooling, and safe storage are crucial for maintaining the quality of corn. Ideally, the moisture content should be reduced to around 12.5%, and the temperature should be kept below 35°C to ensure safe long-term storage. After harvesting, corn should be fully dried under sunlight or using mechanical dryers to meet the required moisture level. During storage, proper ventilation is important to prevent humidity buildup. It is also recommended to keep the newly harvested corn dry and at low humidity to avoid any risk of infestation or spoilage. Techniques like "double low" storage—using low humidity, sealed containers, and low-dose aluminum phosphide tablets—can effectively reduce oxygen levels and control pests. These methods are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
To prevent pest infestations, several strategies can be employed. One effective method is sifting the corn with a sieve that has 6 holes per inch, which can remove up to 80% of small pests. For wormy or infested corn, fumigation with phosphine-based insecticides is a common and economical solution. In northern regions, cold treatment during winter is widely used. By lowering the grain temperature below 0°C and sealing it, this method is highly effective in controlling pests such as beetles and moth larvae. These combined approaches help ensure that stored corn remains safe, clean, and of high quality throughout the storage period.