Lifestyle Desk: Pulses are used almost daily in the house. This is the reason why most people buy and store pulses like arhar, moong, masoor, gram or urad in large quantities at once, but after some time sometimes small insects or mites start appearing in the pulses. This problem increases especially in humid weather. Due to this, the quality of pulses gets affected and there is hesitation in using it. However, pulses can be preserved for a long time by adopting some easy home remedies. Let us know how we can keep pulses safe.
Keep this in mind before storing pulses
Instead of buying pulses directly from the market and storing them in a box, check them thoroughly first. If you feel moisture in the pulses then spread it in the sun for a few hours. After this, cool the lentils completely and keep them in an airtight container. Due to less moisture, the possibility of weevils and insects getting affected in pulses also reduces.
bay leaf will be useful
Use of bay leaves is considered an easy home remedy to protect pulses from insects. For this, keep 2-3 dry bay leaves in the dal box. Its strong scent can help keep many types of insects away. Keep in mind that the bay leaves are completely dry and keep the box tightly closed.
Dry red chilli is also an easy solution
While storing pulses, some whole dry red chillies can also be kept in the box. The smell of red pepper can help keep insects away. However, instead of mixing the chillies in the dal, it is better to keep the chillies tied in a small clean cloth bundle, so that there is no problem while taking out the dal.
Keep pulses in an airtight container
To keep pulses safe for a long time, choosing the right container is also important. Always keep pulses in a clean, dry and airtight container. There should not be any moisture or water in the box. Also, do not keep the box of pulses on gas, sink or in any place where there is excess steam and moisture.
Do not mix old and new pulses
If some old pulses are already kept in the container then avoid adding new pulses in it. First use old pulses and clean the box thoroughly and dry it. Only after this fill the new pulse. With this, if there are mites or insects in the old pulses, the risk of them reaching the new pulses can be reduced.
Thus, keeping pulses dry, using airtight containers and adopting home remedies like bay leaves or dried red chillies can help in reducing the problem of insects during storage. However, if more insects, cobwebs, bad smell or fungus are seen in the pulses then it is better to throw it away instead of using it.
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