Cleaning gluten-free organic seeds and gluten-free cereals

In the first step of fine cleaning, the seeds are freed from impurities such as dust, stones, weed seeds or pests. Fine cleaning takes place in several stages, which are adapted depending on the type of seed. For example, grains are pre-sorted by vibrating sieves, air currents or magnets, while oilseeds are additionally treated by shelling machines or extruders. At Naturkost Übelhör, the fine cleaning of organically grown seeds is carried out purely mechanically in accordance with the guidelines of the EU Organic Farming Regulation, which prohibits the use of chemical or genetically modified substances, among other things.

The sterilisation of gluten-free seeds is an important step in ensuring the quality and safety of the products. For sterilisation, we use processes that greatly reduce the germs on the seeds without affecting the nutrients or flavour. At Naturkost Übelhör, we use UV-C light-based sterilisation methods in accordance with EU organic regulations. This process preserves all the typical properties of the product and maintains its flavour. Sterilisation extends the shelf life of the seeds, reduces the risk of pathogens and can improve the germination capacity.

Colour sorting is carried out fully automatically using optical sorters and sensors from high-precision digital cameras. The seeds are sorted according to their colour, shape and size and unwanted foreign objects such as stones, glass, plastic, wood, metal or mould are removed. Colour sorting can be used both before and after cleaning, drying and hulling the seeds. Colour sorting gives you grain of a consistent, better product quality and further reduces contamination with foreign bodies. All in all, this means a higher yield and added value for your crop.

In the metal detector, the seeds are irradiated with an electromagnetic field. As metal particles per se have a different electrical conductivity than the seeds, they can be specifically extracted using a magnet or coil. As a result, metal particles are safely separated from the seeds and can be separated out. This process not only improves the quality, but also the safety of the gluten-free seeds. It significantly reduces the risk of contamination from metal shavings or other metallic foreign bodies.

The de-stoner works on the principle of density differences between the seeds and the stones. The seeds are filled into a shaking trough that moves back and forth. The lighter seeds are transported to the top, while the heavier stones sink to the bottom. The seeds are then sucked through a sieve plate, which only allows the desired grain size to pass through. The stones and other foreign bodies are collected in a collection container and disposed of.

Pressure disinfestation of gluten-free seeds is a process used to control storage pests and improve quality. It is carried out at the Hamburg site. The seeds are treated in a special facility under high pressure and with carbon dioxide to kill the pests and their eggs and larvae. Pressure disinfestation is particularly suitable for gluten-free seeds such as quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat or millet, as it does not affect the quality or nutritional value of the products. Pressure disinfestation is also a biocompliant process that leaves no toxic residues and is environmentally friendly.