Prevention Strategies

Drying

• Protect drying cherries and beans from all forms of precipitation, including rain and dew;
• Avoid any re-wetting whilst cherries and beans are drying;
• Avoid drying on exposed soil if at all possible, and use drying patios or drying tables instead;
• Ensure thickness of drying layers is controlled, and is no more than 4cm;
• Stir or rake cherries and beans regularly whilst they are drying to avoid 'hot-spots';
• Drying should achieve a maximum uniform green bean moisture content of 12.5%;
• In general, the faster drying takes place the better as this minimises the window of opportunity for fungal growth and OTA production;
• Ensure all drying surfaces and kept clean and sanitised.