Pulse moisture content is the proportion of water in dry pulses, a parameter that governs safe storage, milling behaviour, cooking quality and susceptibility to mould throughout the supply chain.
In trade practice
Moisture is measured at intake, after drying and before shipment using oven-drying or approved near-infrared methods referenced in ISO standards. Buyers and sellers agree a maximum figure in the contract, and independent inspection bodies verify compliance at the load port. Shipments exceeding the agreed limit are commonly rejected or subject to price adjustment. Condensation during container transit is a frequent cause of moisture rise above the contracted level.
In a specification
Contracts state a maximum moisture percentage on an as-is basis, with the test method and tolerance for repeat measurements specified; reference to ISO 712 or an equivalent national standard is common practice.