Determination of moisture content in sunflowers with electronic moisture meters

Abstract

Accurate estimates of moisture content in sunflower seeds (achenes) with electronic moisture meters require that the sample be adequately equilibrated before testing. Seed which has undergone a rapid drying of the hull (pericarp) surface and is tested without sufficient equilibration time will indicate a moisture content that is 0.2–2.0 percentage points lower than the true moisture content. Seed can be properly equilibrated by placing them in a sealed container for 12 hr. Calibration curves based on quadratic equations provide a better estimate of sunflower seed moisture content over a greater range than do linear equations.