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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Dawson, Georgia » National Peanut Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #62914
Title: STORING PEANUTS IN TRAILER-SIZED CONTAINERS

Author
item Wright, Farrin
item DECK, SYDNEY - VIRGINIA TECH
item CUNDIFF, JOHN - VIRGINIA TECH

Submitted to: Peanut Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/23/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: A handling system that may be used to place peanuts in a container in the field, cure and dry in the container, and store in the container is visualized as improving the value of peanuts for processing. This study evaluated the potential of storing peanuts by covering the container with an A-frame or shed-type cover. The use of natural or forced-air ventilation nwas also evaluated. Samples collected over 12 weeks of storage indicated the moisture content of the top layer of peanuts remained close to the moisture content where drying was stopped. Even though the peanuts in the 1993 tests remained at 10 to 11% moisure content, no mold growth or quality degradation was observed. Based on these studies, peanuts can be successfully stored in covered containers in the Virginia area.

Technical Abstract: A containerized handling system is envisioned, whereby peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) are placed in containers in the field and remain in these containers until they are shelled, thus reducing the foreign material, loose shelled kernels, and pod damgae that results from handling as peanuts move through the buying point and storage. Two naturally-ventilated containers (half-trailer size) were stored in 1993. One container had a shed cover and the other an A-frame cover. In 1994 four containers were stored; two with shed covers and two with A-frame covers. One shed and one A-frame had a 1.7 m3/min fan that operated daily between the hours of 1000 and 1800. Top-layer peanuts were at 12% moisture content at the beginning of storage in 1993 and ranged 10 to 11% moisture content after 16 weeks. In 1994 the peanuts were over-dried and top-layer peanuts entered storage at 6% moisture content. After 12 weeks, moisture content was 7%. No mold growth or quality degradation was observed either year. The results indicated top-layer peanuts absorb or desorb very little moisture when peanut moisture content is in the range of 7 to 12% at the beginning of storage. Storage in containers was successful for the ambient conditions in Tidewater, Virginia during 1993 and 1994.