How to store corn
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Corn often contains a significant amount of impurities such as whole and broken kernels, fine particles, and other foreign materials. Due to its strong hygroscopic nature, high respiration rate, and presence of numerous microorganisms, corn can easily become damp and hot, leading to mold growth and infestation by pests. Therefore, it is essential to sieve the corn after harvest to remove these impurities before storing it.
Proper drying and cooling are crucial for safe storage. According to experience, corn with a moisture content of around 12.5% and a temperature of approximately 35°C can be stored safely. After harvesting, the corn should be thoroughly dried under the sun or using mechanical methods to meet the required moisture level. During storage, good ventilation is important, and newly harvested corn must remain dry and in a low-humidity environment to prevent spoilage. Techniques like "double low" storage—using low humidity, sealed containers, and low-dose aluminum phosphide tablets—can significantly enhance storage safety. Natural oxygen reduction methods are also effective in preventing spoilage.
To control pests, both sifting and fumigation are commonly used. For worm-infested corn, using a sieve with 6 holes per inch can effectively remove up to 80% of small pests. Fumigation with phosphine-based chemicals is an economical and efficient method for pest control. In northern regions, cold treatment during winter is often applied. By lowering the grain temperature below 0°C and sealing it, this method proves highly effective in controlling beetles and moth larvae. These combined practices ensure that corn remains safe, clean, and of high quality throughout the storage period.