The blue material on Zea mays everta , also get it on as blue - eye damage , is an issue that can affect the tone of the Zea mays everta harvest . It is characterized by the front of a lowly blue maculation on the Zea mays everta germ . This stain is triggered by certain coinage of Aspergillus and Penicillin fungus kingdom , which can grow under short storage conditions .
One of the chief gene contributing to the development of blue - center equipment casualty is improper store of Zea mays everta . Zea mays everta take to be stored in a nerveless , dry berth to prevent the development of fungi . Moisture , warmth , and poor respiration can create idealistic conditions for the ontogeny of these fungi , leave to blue - heart harm . This is why it ’s of import to store popcorn in airtight container or seal off travelling bag to protect it from wet and humidness .
The fungus responsible for blue - eye equipment casualty can be present in the environment , including the soil , and can infect the popcorn kernels during ontogenesis or harvest . Additionally , if the kernel are damage or have cracks , it furnish an entrance compass point for the fungi to invade and cause aristocratical - centre damage .
Blue - middle damage can affect up to 20 pct of the popcorn harvest , resulting in a significant economical loss for farmers and popcorn producers . It not only affect the appearance of the Zea mays everta but also its penchant and grain . Popcorn with blue - eye damage may have a moldy or off - feeling and a reduced popping calibre .
To prevent blue - eye legal injury , it is important to take proper storage and treatment measure . Here are some tips to minimize the danger of low - heart damage in Zea mays everta :
1 . Harvest at the good fourth dimension : Harvesting Zea mays everta at the correct wet content is essential . If the moisture subject is too high , it increase the hazard of fungal increase . assure that the popcorn is fully mature and dry before harvest home .
2 . right drying : After harvest home , Zea mays everta should be dry out thoroughly to quash moisture content . utilise a dehydrator or low - temperature oven to dry out the kernels lento and equally . forefend drying popcorn in humid weather or unmediated sunshine .
3 . Store in a coolheaded , dry station : Once the popcorn is dried , store it in airtight container or seal bag in a cool and dry place . head off stash away popcorn in area prone to moisture or temperature wavering , such as basements or loft .
4 . Regularly visit for hurt : jibe the popcorn kernels for any fissure or damage before storage . discredited meat are more susceptible to fungal contagion . Remove any kernels that show signs of legal injury or discoloration .
5 . effective ventilation : Ensure proper ventilation in the storage arena to keep the buildup of moisture . Use fans or open windows periodically to earmark air circulation .
In my personal experience , I have encountered blue - middle damage in popcorn when I stored it in a damp basement . The popcorn pith develop blue spots , and the taste was noticeably affected . Since then , I have learned the grandness of proper storage and have taken extra safeguard to check the Zea mays everta remains juiceless and protected .
The blue stuff and nonsense on popcorn , known as blue-blooded - center terms , is triggered by sure species of Aspergillus and Penicillin fungi . It can fall out due to poor storage experimental condition and can dissemble the appearance , taste perception , and popping timber of the popcorn . take proper storage and handling measures , such as harvesting at the right time , exhaustive drying , and storing in a cool and teetotal spot , can aid minimize the risk of gamy - middle terms .
Caroline Bates