During storage or preservation, chestnuts often sprout. Sprouted chestnuts may contain harmful substances or aflatoxins, significantly reducing their edible value. What causes chestnuts to sprout and how can this be prevented? Let's explore.
Causes and Prevention of Chestnut Sprouting
Causes of Chestnut Sprouting
1. Variety Factors
Some chestnut varieties have more vigorous embryo development, making them more prone to sprouting.
2. Improper Temperature and Humidity
The main reason for chestnut sprouting is environmental factors such as temperature and humidity meeting the conditions for sprouting. When stored in environments with high temperature and humidity, the embryo is easily stimulated to develop, leading to sprouting.
3. Poor Ventilation and Light Conditions
Poor ventilation and lighting conditions can also cause chestnuts to sprout.
4. Growth Hormones
Chestnut seeds contain starch and nutrients that provide the necessary energy and nutrition for new plant growth. If these growth hormones gradually concentrate on the bud axis of the chestnut, they will promote bud growth.
Prevention of Chestnut Sprouting
1. Variety Selection
Select high-quality chestnut varieties such as Zhen'an Large Chestnut, Chang'an Mingjian Chestnut, and Hanzhong Gray Chestnut.
2. Proper Storage
Spread fresh raw chestnuts in a cool, ventilated place. As long as they are not piled up and ventilation is good, they can be stored for about two months without issue. When using the sand storage method, add a thick layer of moist soil in early spring, shaped like a dome, to prevent warm air from entering and effectively maintain low temperatures and inhibit sprouting.
3. Salt Water Treatment
About 30-50 days after harvesting, when chestnuts are about to sprout, soak them in a solution of 2% salt and 2% soda for 1 minute. Do not dry them; instead, pack them in baskets or burlap bags with some pine needles to inhibit sprouting.
4. Chemical Treatment
Before storage, soak the chestnuts in a 1% gibberellic acid solution, 0.1% naphthaleneacetic acid solution, or 0.1% B9 solution for 3 minutes to reduce the sprouting rate.
In conclusion, many factors contribute to chestnut sprouting, but it is relatively easy to prevent by controlling the storage environment. Additionally, certain measures such as chemical treatments can be taken to inhibit sprouting when necessary.
