Don’t you also know these 3 secrets of cleaning wheat? Bring home clean market-like grains in minutes:

News India Live, Digital Desk: In every house in India, wheat is stored for years, so that pure flour can be used throughout the year. But, storing wheat properly and protecting it from dust, soil or insects trapped in it is a big challenge. If even a little bit of dirt or moisture remains in the wheat, it soon becomes infested with mites or insects. No need to worry anymore! Today we will tell you 3 such amazing and indigenous tips to clean the dirt and insects stuck in wheat, so that your wheat will remain like new and free from insects throughout the year.

3 easy and effective ways to clean wheat:

1. Spread it on a big sheet or sack and dry it (Sun Drying & Sifting):

• The easiest way: This is the most traditional and effective method. Spread the wheat in a thin layer on a clean, dry large sheet or sack. Dry it thoroughly in the sun for 2-3 days. Not only will the wheat lose moisture from the sun, but if there are any insects, they will also run away from the sun and heat.
• Winnowing or Sifting: After drying, sieve the wheat through a thick wire strainer (which is used to clean grains) or beat it with a large soup whisk. With this, dust, small stones, chaff and dead caterpillars/insects present in wheat will be easily removed.

2. Use Neem leaves or camphor (Natural Insect Repellents):

• Neem Leaves: Dried neem leaves work as a natural insecticide and insect repellent. Before storing wheat, mix a handful of dry neem leaves in well-dried wheat or keep the leaves tied at some distance in wheat sacks/boxes. The strong smell of Neem keeps insects away.
• Camphor tablets: Some people also keep 1-2 camphor tablets (not naphtha balls, desi camphor) tied in a small bundle of cloth in a wheat container. The strong smell of camphor also keeps insects away from wheat. Do not mix it directly with wheat, keep it in a bundle.

3. Airtight Container and Salt or Matchsticks (Airtight Storage & Preventative Measures):

• Airtight Container: Always keep wheat in air tight containers or plastic/metal drums, where moisture and air cannot reach. The container should be thoroughly clean and dry.
• Salt or matchsticks: Some people put a handful of whole salt (which can be tied in a cloth bundle) in a wheat container or keep 4-5 match sticks at a distance (the sulfur smell of the matches keeps insects away, but this is a slightly controversial method, only Neem is safe).

Additional Tips:

• Before storing wheat, clean it thoroughly and there should not be any moisture in it.
• Keep the container in a place where it is cool and does not come in direct sunlight.
• Keep checking the container from time to time so that if any insect is seen, you can take immediate action.

With these simple and effective methods, you can keep your wheat safe and clean all year long, and make fresh flour from it whenever you want.