Grain Postharvest Technique

Grain postharvest techniques encompass a range of processes and

technologies aimed at preserving the quality, safety, and value of
grains after harvest. These techniques are crucial for ensuring food
security, reducing postharvest losses, and maintaining market
competitiveness.
Importance of Postharvest Technology
Processing
Quality Preservation: Postharvest processing helps maintain the quality
of grains by reducing moisture content, controlling temperature, and
minimizing exposure to pests and pathogens.

Loss Reduction: Efficient postharvest techniques reduce losses caused by

spoilage, mold growth, insect infestation, and physical damage during
handling and storage.

Extension of Shelf Life: Proper postharvest handling can extend the shelf
life of grains, allowing for longer storage periods without significant
deterioration.
Importance of Postharvest Technology
Processing
Nutritional Preservation: Postharvest techniques help retain the
nutritional value of grains, ensuring that consumers receive adequate
nutrients from their food.

Nutritional Preservation: Postharvest techniques help retain the

nutritional value of grains, ensuring that consumers receive adequate
nutrients from their food.

Food Safety: Proper handling and processing reduce the risk of

contamination and foodborne illnesses, enhancing food safety standards.
Stages of a Whole Postharvest System
1. Harvesting
Timing the harvest correctly to
ensure grains are mature and
minimizing losses due to shattering
or weather-related damage.

2. Cleaning
Removing foreign materials like
stones, chaff, dust, and broken
grains to improve quality and
prevent contamination.
3. Drying
Implementing drying methods such as
sun drying, mechanical drying, or using
drying facilities to reduce moisture
content to safe levels for storage.

4. Storage
Selecting appropriate storage facilities
and conditions to protect grains from
moisture, pests, and mold while
maintaining quality attributes.
5. Processing
Converting raw grains into various products through milling, grinding,
extrusion, or other processing methods based on market demand and
consumer preferences.

6. Handling and Transportation

Employing proper handling practices
and transportation methods to prevent
physical damage and minimize losses
during transit.
7. Distribution and Marketing

Grains are distributed to various markets and

consumers through efficient logistics and
marketing strategies.
Main Elements of a Postharvest System
1. Infrastructure
Investing in storage facilities, drying equipment, transportation vehicles,
and processing plants to support efficient postharvest operations.

2. Technologies
Utilizing modern technologies such as moisture meters, grain
analyzers, mechanical dryers, and grain handling equipment to
improve efficiency and quality control.
3. Knowledge and Training
Providing training and extension services to farmers, processors, and
stakeholders on best practices in postharvest handling, storage, and
processing techniques.

4. Quality Control Measures

Implementing quality assurance protocols, including regular
monitoring, testing, and certification of grains to ensure compliance
with quality standards and regulations.
5. Human Resources
Skilled labor is required for harvesting, handling, processing, and
managing postharvest operations.

6. Market Access
Developing market linkages, establishing grading and certification
systems, and promoting value-added products to enhance market
opportunities and profitability.
Types of Postharvest Processing
1. Drying
Employing various drying methods such as
natural sun drying, mechanical drying
using fans or heaters, or a combination of
both to reduce moisture content.

2. Cleaning
Utilizing equipment like air screen
cleaners, gravity separators, magnetic
separators, and aspirators to remove
impurities and foreign materials from
grains.
3. Grading and Sorting
Sorting grains based on size, weight,
color, and other quality parameters
to meet market specifications and
enhance product uniformity.

4. Storage
Implementing appropriate storage
structures and techniques such as
silos, bins, hermetic bags, or
controlled atmosphere storage to
maintain grain quality and prevent
losses.
5. Milling and Processing
Processing grains into value-added
products such as flour, breakfast
cereals, snacks, pasta, or animal feed
using milling, grinding, extrusion, or
other processing technologies.

6. Packaging and Labeling

Packaging grains in suitable containers with proper labeling
ensures product integrity and consumer safety.
Barley (Hordeum vulgare)
Barley belong to the Family of Poaceae, it is
an annual cereal grain that belongs to the
grass family. It typically has erect, hollow
stems with linear leaves. The flowers are
arranged in spikelets that form dense
clusters at the top of the stems. Barley grains
are small and elongated with an outer hull
that is removed during processing.
Cultivatio
n
Climate- Barley is a cool-season crop that thrives in temperate climates. It
can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but performs best in regions with
mild winters and cool summers.

Soil- Barley grows well in well-drained loamy soils with good fertility. It
prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.

Planting- Barley is typically planted in the fall or early spring, depending on

the local climate. It is sown directly into the soil at shallow depths.

Growth Cycle- Barley has a relatively short growth cycle, usually maturing
within 60 to 90 days after planting.
Uses
Food- Barley grains are used for human consumption in various forms. Pearl
barley, where the outer hull is removed, is commonly used in soups, stews,
salads, and porridge. Barley flour is used in baking and as a thickening agent in
sauces and gravies.
Animal Feed- Barley is a valuable feed grain for livestock, including cattle,
pigs, poultry, and horses. It provides energy, protein, and essential nutrients for
animal growth and health.
Malt Production- Barley is a key ingredient in the production of malt, which
is used in brewing beer and distilling spirits. Barley grains are malted through a
germination and drying process to convert starches into fermentable sugars.
Industrial Uses- Barley straw is used for animal bedding, erosion control, and
as a raw material for paper and packaging materials. Barley grain extracts are
also used in various industrial processes, including food additives and
pharmaceuticals.
Barley Bread Barley Stew Barley Flour

Barley Fodder Barley Beer Barley Soup

Nutritional Value
- Barley is a nutritious grain rich in carbohydrates, dietary fiber, protein,
vitamins (especially B vitamins), and minerals (such as iron, magnesium,
and selenium).

- It is particularly high in soluble fiber, which may help promote

digestive health, regulate blood sugar levels, and lower cholesterol levels.
Varieties

- There are numerous barley varieties cultivated worldwide, each with

specific traits suited to different growing conditions, end-uses, and market
preferences.

- Varieties may differ in terms of maturity, disease resistance, yield

potential, grain quality, and environmental adaptation.
Reference:
https://www.fao.org/3/t0522e/T0522E03.htm
http://www.agritech.tnau.ac.in/expert_system/paddy/phtc.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5296677/
https://www.google.com/amp/s/news.grainpro.com/the-benefits-of-
post-harvest-management%3fhs_amp=true
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-
sciences/postharvest-systems
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1270
Group 2:
Mansanero, Althea Mae
Baterzal, Jeanneth
Interompa, Arlyn
Martinez, Rhomar
Cañizares, Novy Joy