Why should pulses be stored away from light?

Question

Learn why you should store pulses away from direct light. Discover how light can degrade their color, nutrients, and overall quality over time.

Answer 1

Pulses should be stored away from light to prevent nutrient degradation, color changes, and potential rancidity of their oils, preserving their quality and nutritional value.

Detailed Explanation:

Light, especially ultraviolet (UV) light, can have a detrimental effect on pulses during storage. Here's why:

1. Nutrient Degradation: Light exposure can break down certain vitamins and antioxidants present in pulses. For example, riboflavin (vitamin B2) is particularly sensitive to light. This reduces the overall nutritional value of the pulses.
2. Color Changes: Light can cause pulses to fade or change color. This is due to the breakdown of pigments within the pulses. While this doesn't necessarily make them unsafe to eat, it can make them less appealing to consumers.
3. Rancidity: Pulses contain small amounts of oil. Exposure to light can accelerate the oxidation of these oils, leading to rancidity. Rancid pulses will have an unpleasant taste and odor.
4. Pest Attraction: While not a direct effect of light itself, storing pulses in transparent containers exposed to light can make it easier for pests to locate them.

Therefore, storing pulses in opaque containers or in dark, cool places helps to minimize these negative effects and maintain their quality for a longer period.

Pro Tip:

Store pulses in airtight containers in a cool, dark pantry. Adding a bay leaf to the container can also help deter pests naturally.