How to store broad beans?

Today I will tell you how to better store broad beans?

Storage characteristics

The characteristic of broad bean storage is that the beans are prone to change color if insect infestation is serious.

The main pests are bean weevils, including broad bean weevils and mung bean weevils. These insects are widely distributed, and the highest damage rate can reach more than 90%. There are often several pests in a bean, and the broad beans are eaten into multiple holes. The germination rate of the damaged broad beans is reduced, and the color quality deteriorates. The reason is that the prevention and control is not good.

Broad beans will change color during storage. It is generally believed that this is due to the presence of phenolic substances and polyphenol oxidase in the bean skin. Normal broad beans are generally green or milky white. During storage, the skin color often gradually changes to light brown, brown, dark brown or black. High temperature and high moisture can enhance the activity of oxidase, promote oxidation reactions, and intensify the discoloration process. According to actual observations, broad beans change color more in high temperature seasons and less in low temperature seasons. Usually, after a summer of storage, the discolored grains will increase significantly, sometimes as high as 40%-50%; the water content of 11%-12% generally changes less, and the water content of less than 13% has more discolored grains; when stored in the same place, the parts exposed to sunlight have more discolored grains than the parts not exposed to sunlight, and the discoloration of the upper layer of the grain pile is more serious than other parts.

How to store broad beans?

Broad bean storage technology

After the broad beans are dried, it is better to mix them with dry sand or bran and then store them in a sealed and low-temperature environment. This method keeps the broad beans in a relatively dry, low-temperature, dark environment and is isolated from the outside air, which prevents the beans from changing color and inhibits the occurrence of pests. There are mainly three sealing methods.

1. Sand inclusion storage

First, disinfect the warehouse, and lay the bottom of the warehouse with clean, insect-free dry rice husks and mats. Take the dry sand and broad beans without stones, and expose them to the sun to make the temperature reach about 50 degrees. The moisture of broad beans drops to 12%, and they can be put into the warehouse after they cool down a little. When putting broad beans into the warehouse, after each layer is filled to a depth of 20 cm, the sand is pressed to 10 cm, and finally the top is pressed with sand to seal it. Use this method to store bean seeds until there is no insect, mold, or discoloration when sowing.

2. Mix with bran and store

When the moisture content of broad beans has been dried to below 12%, mix the broad beans and husks with dry rice bran or wheat husks in the ratio of one basket of beans to two baskets of husks. Finally, cover the beans with about 30 cm of husks for airtight storage.

3. Storage of bean bran in sandwich

First, lay a 30-40 cm layer of dry rice bran on the bottom of the warehouse, then pour a 10 cm thick layer of dried broad beans on it, and then cover it with 3-5 cm of rice bran. Repeat this process, and finally cover the broad beans with about 30 cm of rice bran for airtight storage.

In addition, in areas where bean weevils are seriously infested, pest control should be carried out as soon as possible after the beans are stored in warehouses. That is, after the broad beans are stored in warehouses, aluminum phosphide should be used for fumigation and insecticide as soon as possible to prevent the bean weevils from continuing to cause damage in the beans.