Quinoa

Preservation of quinoa relies on optimal packaging and storage conditions for its organoleptic characteristics. VacQPack proposes bulk packaging for quinoa preservation, ranging from 1 to 2 tons in capacity, to replace conventional 40 to 60Kg bags. If bags are needed for commercial reasons, an outside liner can wrap the palletized cargo and ensure organically compliant treatment.

To slow the deterioration of quinoa, the strategy is to reduce respiration through an impermeable flexible package with restricted oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and a controlled atmosphere with reduced oxygen levels.

Vacuum applied to palletized bags will make handling, storage and transportation more effective and safer, resulting in significant cost and time savings.

Finally, VacQPack liners are able to be opened for sampling or to remove part of the cargo and then re-sealed and treated with the same organically compliant treatment program. Investment in a high quality liner is offset by the amount of times the bag can be reopened.

Insect-infested organic quinoa can now be bought at a low price and treated using VacQPack’s organically compliant fumigation method. The goods can return to the market after an organic treatment using pressure, Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) and temperature. The quinoa’s quality gets restored as well its market value.

Air humidity is directly responsible for quinoa seeds’ water content. Humidity, combined with excessively high temperatures, increases seed respiration, promoting the warm up of seed mass. Micro-organisms and insects find these conditions ideal. Also, seeds will consume their internal reserves under these conditions, causing weight loss and a decline in germination.

In a summary, quinoa risks are:

• Self-heating and potential spontaneous combustion
• High moisture content
• Insect infestation and cross contamination
• Toxicity and correlated health hazards