How to store corn without insects

The key to storing corn without insects is to control the environmental humidity and seal it to prevent insects. There are mainly methods such as keeping dry, sealed storage, low-temperature refrigeration, regular inspections, and using natural insect repellents.

1. Keep dry

Corn should be fully dried before storage to ensure that the moisture content is below the safety standard. Wet environments are prone to the growth of mold and insect eggs. Corn can be spread out in a well ventilated area to dry, or excess moisture can be removed using a dryer. Dried corn should avoid contact with the ground and can be stored with a moisture-proof board or suspended.

2. Sealed storage

Put the dried corn into food grade sealed bags or plastic buckets with lids, remove air, and seal. Sealed containers can be selected from storage tanks with silicone sealing rings, or vacuum packaging machines can be used for vacuuming. Pay attention to checking whether the container is intact to avoid insect invasion caused by damage.

3. Low temperature refrigeration

Storing corn in the refrigerator or freezer can effectively inhibit the hatching of insect eggs. Keeping the refrigeration temperature below 4 ℃ can delay the occurrence of pests, while freezing below -18 ℃ can completely kill the eggs. This method is suitable for long-term storage of a small amount of corn, but attention should be paid to sealing and moisture prevention to avoid frosting.

4. Regular Inspection

Open the container at least once a month to check the condition of the corn. If any insect or moldy particles are found, they should be promptly removed. During inspection, insect feces can be filtered through a sieve, and contaminated corn should be treated separately. Corn stored for more than six months is recommended to be consumed first.

5. Use natural insect repellent [SEP]. Place natural insect repellent materials such as Sichuan pepper, laurel leaves, dried chili in storage containers, or place food grade diatomaceous earth to absorb moisture and prevent insects. The volatile components emitted by these materials can repel storage pests and will not contaminate food. Note that insect repellents need to be replaced regularly to maintain their effectiveness. During the storage period, corn should be avoided from being mixed with insect prone grains such as rice and flour. It is best to store different varieties of grains in separate containers. The storage environment should be cool and ventilated, away from areas with high temperature and humidity fluctuations in the kitchen. When pests are found, corn can be exposed to sunlight to kill insects first. In severe cases, it is recommended to dispose of it. After daily use of corn, it is necessary to seal the container in a timely manner to reduce the chance of air contact. Adopting these comprehensive measures can maximize the shelf life of corn and ensure food safety.