Hygroscopic potential as a stability index for dried cereal grains

Abstract

From data published in the literature relating the equilibrium moisture content of cereal grains, their isotherms were plotted in order to establish the sorption and desorption potential of such products, on different temperature and relative humidity storage conditions. In some cases it was possible to estimate the latent heat of adsorption for water on several grains, taking the available data from the isosteres also established. In addition, relations between the safe storage time and the moisture content of cereal grains at different temperature levels ware found. These results are of interest to evaluate the actual storage conditions of Brazilian grains.