A method of treating seeds includes piercing a multiplicity of seeds such that shells of a majority of the seeds are pierced, aerating the pierced seeds, and reducing a water content of the pierced seeds. Another method of treating seeds includes placing a bulk quantity of seeds in a container, forming a mass of seeds and liquid in the container, sealing the container to create a substantially closed environment inside the container, and fermenting the mass in the sealed container. Another method of treating seeds includes placing a multiplicity of pierced seeds in a ventilated enclosure, forcing air through the enclosure such that the seeds are exposed to the air, and mixing the seeds.
