What should fresh Nyjer seed look like during the freshness test?
Answer
Clean, black, and relatively uniform
When troubleshooting Nyjer seed quality, visual inspection provides immediate clues about viability. Truly fresh Nyjer seed is characterized by a specific appearance: it should be clean, possess a deep black color, and exhibit a relatively uniform size and shape among the individual seeds. Conversely, signs of degradation include the seed feeling clumped, appearing dusty, or emitting an off-smell reminiscent of old cooking oil, which all indicate the seed has exceeded its prime for consumption by the goldfinches.

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