Grains and seeds normally have 10 to 12% moisture, which lowers the Aw to ca.
£0.6 and thus inhibits microbial growth. In cereal grains, during harvesting, processing,
and storage, if the Aw increases above 0.6, some molds can grow. Some species of storage fungi from genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Rhizopus can
cause spoilage of high-moisture grains. Many types of lentils, beans, and seeds
(alfalfa) are germinated and used as ready-to-eat products. During storage, Grampositive
and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and molds can grow and produce offflavor.