Wheat

The key to organically preserving wheat is to keep out the oxygen, and to keep it cool and dry. VacQPack delivers organically compliant fumigation leveraging Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), ideal storage temperatures, and vacuum (low pressure). Wheat, or any bulk grain for that matter, when stored properly, can easily last six to eight years or more, without losing any of its nutritional benefits.

The VacQPack system is the answer to a very common problem that arises when attempting to preserve wheat. Although cleaning procedures take place after the harvest, insect eggs might still be present living inside the grain. It’s critical to consider this threat and act, defending the stored wheat from being eaten by the hatchlings.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is an inert gas which is relatively inexpensive and is toxic to bugs. A CO₂ atmosphere within the packaging through MAP technology creates an ideal long term storage solution. VacQPack’s hermetic airtight liner also helps keep wheat dry and cool.

The recommended safe limit of moisture content for the storage of wheat is 15%. At over this level, the degree of respiration and heat generation is such that germination begins, as enzymes are activated. Hot spots in the grain are created, and there is the hazard of spontaneous combustion.

The main challenge in the industry lies in processes, especially packaging. Studies have demonstrated that moisture content of hermetic bags becomes constant after three months, while in the case of steel bins and gunny bags, the moisture level follows the ambient conditions. The Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) gas barrier present in all of VacQPack’s liners prevents this problem.

Finally, a study released in 2016 by Cornel S Adler proves that VacQPack found that the vacuum bags, when opened after the shortest storage period of three months, did not reveal visible damage caused by granary weevils and no survivors were found. The conclusion is that vacuum storage is a valuable solution for long-term storage of sufficiently dry products, even if a moderate infestation is already present.

Wheat grown in intensive systems requires a high level of inputs, including herbicides, pesticides, mechanical power, fertilizers and chemical preservation methods. The ecological footprint of the entire chain of production and commercialization of wheat is high. VacQPack proudly proposes an organically compliant fumigation process using gases captured from the atmosphere, lower levels of energy to operate, and packaging that is reusable.