Which practice best minimizes moisture loss during storage?

• A. Rough handling.
• B. Pest control.
• C. Store at low humidity and hermetically seal.
• D. Use bright lighting.

Answer: (C)

Moisture loss in storage comes from water moving from the product into the surrounding air, driven by a humidity difference. Reducing that driving force and stopping air exchange are the best ways to keep moisture in. Storing at low humidity lowers the moisture gradient, so water evaporates more slowly. Even more effective is hermetically sealing the storage, which creates a barrier so air (and any moisture) cannot move in or out. Using both together—low humidity and a hermetic seal—minimizes any moisture loss and helps maintain the product’s quality.

The other practices don’t address moisture transfer: rough handling can damage packaging, pest control targets pests, and bright lighting has no effect on moisture exchange.