Sesamum indicum L.
Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds are a delicate, oil-rich crop where post-harvest preservation directly determines germination capacity, flavor and market value. Rapid deterioration after harvest makes precise moisture and atmosphere control essential.
Sesame seeds deteriorate quickly if storage conditions are not optimal, especially in warm and humid climates. Their high oil content and fast cellular respiration accelerate ageing, reducing germination rate, vigor and viability. Even slight increases in moisture can cause discoloration, tainting and off-flavors. Conventional storage relies on strict limits for humidity and temperature, which are difficult to maintain consistently. In addition, sesame seeds are small, flat and dense, creating technical challenges during vacuum application. For organic and food-grade sesame, long-term preservation requires a controlled, residue-free solution that stabilizes moisture and protects quality independent of external conditions.
Challenges in sesame seed preservation
Fast deterioration
Sesame seed preservation is challenged by rapid biological ageing. High oil content combined with elevated temperature and humidity accelerates respiration, leading to loss of germination capacity and seed vigor. Moisture levels above safe thresholds quickly trigger discoloration, off-flavors and quality decline.
Pest pressure adds further risk, particularly from Indian meal moth infestations during storage. Conventional fumigation raises residue concerns, while cooling is costly and slow. The physical characteristics of sesame seeds—small size and high bulk density—make vacuum treatment technically demanding, increasing the risk of product aspiration or uneven treatment. Effective preservation must control oxygen, moisture and pests precisely while maintaining seed integrity and viability.
- Moisture sensitivity
- Rapid ageing
- Insect infestation
- High bulk density
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The VacQPack solution for sesame seeds
Stable viability
VacQPack preserves sesame seeds using bulk-sized Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) with hermetic, high-barrier EVOH liners that stabilize moisture at or below 6% after proper drying. Vacuum and controlled atmosphere create low-oxygen conditions that slow respiration, protect germination capacity and eliminate insects organically. A patented valve with internal filter enables safe vacuum application for high-density sesame seeds without product loss. Independent of external humidity or temperature, VacQPack allows safe storage even under open-air conditions, delivering long-term seed viability, consistent quality and residue-free pest control.
- Consistent product quality and taste
- Reduced food loss and waste
- Full control over product safety
- Optimized total cost of ownership (TCO)
- Non-chemical, organic treatment
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Best practice
Particularly on humid and hot areas, problems like condensation, variation of moisture content, oxidation and in some cases insect infestation, are common on the difficult task of keeping the quality of soybean seeds during storage.
The refrigeration is the conventional technique for preservation, but it requires a great deal of investment on infrastructures and implies significant expenditures on energy. Besides, once the seed leaves the refrigeration mode, gets again vulnerable and enters in a rapid degradation process.
Infisght from our research expert
Marie-José
Research Expert
m.vanlitsenburg@vacqpack.com
Our research Expert Marie-José translates scientific studies into practical MAP insights, helping producers safeguard quality from origin to arrival.
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