Grains are the major source of nutrients that are found all over the world. These grains include wheat, rice, corn, oats, barley, etc. It is mostly used to feed human beings including livestock. It is also used for making fuel, alcohol, and cosmetics.
When it comes to the factors that affect its quality it covers all the processes starting from the growing season, harvesting and managing drying tools, and storage and transportation procedures. Actually, the grain quality determines the price.
Factors affecting grain quality
1) Moisture
Moisture present in the grain affects the seed quality. A lot of moisture leads to mold growth and insect infestation, and might also form toxins. High moisture cuts down the protein content leading to lower flour yield. To avoid this, farmers should regulate moisture levels.
2) Protein
The protein content of the grain shows its storage and how it is blended and also the quality of the seed. The protein present in the grains classifies the molecular weight of the protein glutens to ascertain the texture, properties, and cohesiveness.
3) Smell
Any type of foul smell may indicate its fungal contamination as these insects can produce a musty odour. You can also smell rancidity, and in case of usage of more pesticides and fungicides, you will also detect the smell of petroleum products.
4) Shade
Changing colour is also vital to determine how mature the cereal is and its storage conditions. It also indicates sand contamination, toxins and the use of fungicides and pesticides. The colour change could be the result of heat damage making it look darker, wrinkled, inflamed, swollen or blistered.
5) Grain Size
Smaller grain indicates a low value of metabolized energy. Grain quality determines the size and or split grain. This help buyers understand they are buying full volume.
6) Taste
The taste of the grain also determines the quality of the grain. It may be bitter indicating the mycotoxins or rancidity.
7) Falling Number
This is a type of test to analyze the expected sprout damage. It displays the level of weather damage during sprouting and the enzyme Alpha-amylase which increases in the germination process. It affects dough performance, loaf volume and shelf life.
8) Sound
The sound of the grain can speak about the dryness of the grains when it is dropped which is just like coins being spilled.
9) Foreign Material
During harvesting and storage grain might mist with unwanted debris particles leading to discounted pricing and diminishing quality. It may contain metal, glass, rocks, plastics, metal, and sand particles which should be cleaned before milling.
10) Touch
The touch for clumps in the storage bags can also indicate high moisture content and wrong storage. When light pressure is applied, it crumbles the clumps.
Synopsis
All these factors can determine the quality of the grain. Most of the time, every grain passes through all these quality checks before reaching the end users.
Send inquiry now: 📞: +91 87390 87390 flour mill manufacturer
Post a Comment