Study on the Storability of Grain Amaranth at Low Temperature

Abstract

　We investigated the effect of different temperature and relative humidity conditions on the equilibrium moisture contents (EMCs) and seed quality of stored amaranth seeds. Amaranth seeds were stored for 12 months at temperatures of 5, 15, and 25℃. The seed quality parameters, including germination rate; surface color; populations of total aerobic bacteria, molds, and yeasts; and fat acid contents, were examined. The EMC fitted the Chen-Clayton equation well. No remarkable changes were noted in the amaranth seeds with regard to the germination rate; surface color; and populations of total aerobic bacteria, molds, and yeasts for the tested storage time and temperature conditions. However, fat acidity of the amaranth seeds stored at 25℃ increased significantly with time, whereas that of the seeds stored at low temperatures of 5 and 15℃ showed an insignificant increase. This finding suggests that storage temperatures of 5 and 15℃ are applicable for amaranth seeds.