Quality changes in HTST processing of rice parboiling

Paddy soaked to saturation level, when treated at a high temperature for a short time in a mechanical sand roaster is parboiled and dried in a single pass of 47 s duration. The extent of drying depends on the sand temperature. The sand temperature is critical as it decides the associated quality changes in the milled rice. Even at a sand temperature of 125°C, paddy could fully be parboiled but with mild effect. The parboiling became severe at high temperatures. Roasting the soaked paddy at 250°C, reduced the cooking time of the resultant milled rice. A sand temperature of 125–150°C was considered suitable for producing normal parboiled rice by this technique.     

Functional Properties as Affected by Laboratory‐Scale Parboiling of Rough Rice and Brown Rice

ABSTRACT: Rough rice (RR) is the conventional feedstock for parboiling. The use of brown rice (BR) instead of RR is gaining interest because it results in shorter processing time and lower energy requirement. This study compared the functional properties of milled parboiled rice under different parboiling conditions from RR and BR. Presoaked RR and BR from cultivars Bolivar, Cheniere, Dixiebelle, and Wells were parboiled under mild (20 min, 100 °C, 0 kPa) and severe (20 min, 120 °C, 98 kPa) laboratory‐scale conditions. Head rice yield improved on the RR and BR samples subjected to severe parboiling and was comparable to that of a commercially parboiled sample. Mild parboiling of BR resulted in lower head rice yields. Parboiling generally resulted in decreased head rice whiteness, decreased apparent amylose, increased total lipid, and sparingly changed protein content. Under the same parboiling conditions, the extent of starch gelatinization was higher for BR compared to RR as manifested by some distinct differences in pasting and thermal properties. The cooking characteristics (water uptake ratio, leached materials, and volumetric expansion) and cooked rice texture (hardness and stickiness) of RR and BR subjected to severe parboiling were fairly comparable. Differences in parboiled rice functional properties due to cultivar effect were evident.     

Cooking qualities of parboiled rices produced at low and high temperatures

The cooking characteristics of parboiled rice are related to (i) its hydration behaviour at temperatures above and below the gelatinisation point; (ii) to kernel elongation on cooking; and (iii) to the extent of amylose solubility. These properties differ among samples, depending on the parboiling conditions. Samples were prepared by parboiling paddy at 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120°C. The kernel elongation on cooking and the amount of soluble amylose in the gruel were then determined. The water uptake values for raw and parboiled rice samples were determined by hydrating them at room temperature (25-30), 60 and 98°C (boiling temperature) for optimal cooking times. The rate of hydration at temperatures below the gelatinisation point increased on parboiling and, conversely, a reverse pattern above this point. Close correlations existed between the temperature of parboiling and the properties studied. The different properties studied also correlated well. The temperature of parboiling influenced the linear elongation of the kernel after cooking. The soluble amylose content was negatively correlated with the temperature of parboiling. Though the hydration properties of different parboiled samples differed among themselves, depending on the degree of parboiling, they fell into two distinct classes, viz. the samples parboiled at a temperature close to the gelatinisation point having cooking qualities similar to raw rice, and above this point qualities differing from raw rice. The water uptake values at room temperature and at 60°C, and the ratio of water uptake at 98°C and optimum cooking time to that at 60°C were found to be useful in differentiating the parboiled rices into the two classes.     

Swelling and solubility behaviour of parboiled rice flour

Parboiled rice flour swelled and dissolved more than raw rice flour in water at temperatures below 70°C, but less than raw rice at higher temperatures. This difference between raw and parboiled rice increased with an increasing degree of parboiling. A sample of parboiled rice produced by dry-heating soaked paddy in hot sand behaved differently; but when it was wetted and tempered to favour reassociation of starch, its properties fell in line with normal steam-parboiled rice. The above behaviours of raw and parboiled rice flour were similar to those of corresponding whole-grain rice. They also reinforce the earlier suggestion of starch reassociation in conventional parboiled rice.     

Effect of processing on thiamin and riboflavin contents of some high-yielding rice varieties of punjab

Six high-yielding varieties of rice (Oryza sativa L) were taken and subjected to 6 and 8% degree of milling. The raw rice and the parboiled rice were analysed microbiologically for thiamin and riboflavin contents. Milled parboiled rice contained more thiamin and riboflavin that milled raw rice at both the levels of milling because parboiling of paddy results in inward diffusion of water-soluble vitamins to the endosperm. The thiamin content of brown rice is reduced after parboiling. The loss may be due to the partial decomposition of thiamin during the stages of parboiling, but the riboflavin content of brown rice is found to be increased after parboiling.     

The effects of heat–moisture treatment of rice grains before parboiling on viscosity profile and physicochemical properties

The effects of heat–moisture treatment (HMT) (120 °C for 10, 30 and 60 min) on paddy rice grains before parboiling, on head rice yield (HRY), pasting and thermal properties, and colour and cooking characteristics of parboiled rice were studied. The results indicated that the HMT performed intensifies the changes in grains after parboiling, impacting pasting and thermal properties, which results in rice kernels with yellowish colouration and greater cooking time. HMT increased the temperatures of gelatinisation, with increasing HMT time from 10 to 60 min and reduced the gelatinisation enthalpy. HMT also affected the pasting properties of rice flours, reducing setback and viscosity and increased their stability to heat and mechanical agitation. The HMT performed in rice grains before the parboiling process with 60 min of the treatment decreased the HRY and increased the level of metabolic defects only in the treatment with 60 min.     

Technological properties of microwave parboiled rice

Two rice varieties, a short grain (Giza 175) and a long grain (Giza 181), were parboiled by soaking in water at 80–85 °C for 1.5 h and then dried in the microwave oven for 3, 5, 6 and 8 min. The effect of such parboiling treatment on milling output and technological properties (cooking and eating quality) of milled rice were studied. There was a negative significant correlation between head rice and the drying time and a positive correlation between the drying time and the broken grains. The effect of such treatment on the chemical composition of milled parboiled rice, i.e. amylose, protein, fat and ash contents, showed that the amylose content of Giza 175 variety significantly decreased while not affect in Giza 181 variety. No significant differences were obtained in protein, fat and ash contents by increasing drying time. Microwave drying was more pronounced on Giza 175 variety rather than Giza 181 one. However, the optimum cooking time of the parboiled samples of the two varieties was not affected as a result of increasing the microwave drying time.     

HIGH-TEMPERATURE DRYING-CUM-PARBOILING OF PADDY

Alternate methods of parboiling of paddy, in place of conventional steam-parboiling, for obtaining improved hydration ability in the parboiled rice were explored. Ratnachudi variety, a medium-grained, tall indica, high-amylose rice, was used. The paddy was soaked in warm water to a saturation moisture level (ca 30%, w.b.). The soaked paddy was dried by either exposing it to very hot air (150°—200°C) or by roasting it in hot sand (250°—300°C) for a few minutes. It was observed that under appropriate high-temperature conditions paddy got simultaneously dried and parboiled by both the above treatments. Parboiled rice so produced was examined for appearance (translucence, color), milling breakage, alkali degradation pattern and starch retrogradation. It was found to be quite comparable to normal steam-parboiled rice in all respects, except that it showed the desirable property of improved hydration ability due to lowering of starch retrogradation. Possible development of the technique into commercial process is indicated.     

Effect of superheated-steam drying compared to conventional parboiling on chalkiness,head rice yield and quality of chalky rice kernels

Four rice cultivars (Ayutthaya 1, Khao Bahn Nah 432, Plai Ngahm Prachin Buri, and Prachin Buri 2) that usually have a major problem with chalkiness were processed by applying superheated-steam drying and conventional parboiling methods. The main objectives were: (1) to determine the possibility of applying superheated-steam drying to solve the chalkiness and low head rice yield problems and (2) to compare the properties of rice produced using superheated-steam drying and the conventional parboiling process. Both the initial moisture content and superheated-steam drying temperature significantly affected head rice yield. The higher moisture helped to increase starch gelatinization leading to a stronger rice structure and subsequently an increased head rice yield. The rice samples dried in the superheated-steam dryer using an initial moisture content of paddy at 32% w.b. for 6 h under a steam pressure of 1.2 bar and at three drying temperatures (120, 140, 160 °C) had higher milling quality than the conventionally parboiled rice samples. The darker color of the superheated-steam-dried samples was their main drawback. Both parboiling and superheated-steam drying could clearly lessen the percentage of chalky rice kernels compared to the raw paddy. The parboiled rice and superheated-steam-dried rice had more nutrients than normal white rice.     

Parboiling of rice. Part II: Effect of hot soaking time on the degree of starch gelatinization

A differential scanning calorimetric study was done on raw and parboiled rice to determine the degree of gelatinization. Unparboiled rice absorbed the highest amount of endothermic heat, the enthalpy change gradually decreasing with increasing hot soaking time. The highest degree of gelatinization was achieved when the paddy was soaked for 120 min at 80 °C. With increasing degree of gelatinization, the yield point in a compression test also increased. During the parboiling process internal fissures were healed, resulting in higher head rice yield during milling.     

RICE PUFFING IN RELATION to ITS VARIETAL CHARACTERISTICS and PROCESSING CONDITIONS

The effect of rice varietal characteristics, namely, length (L): breadth (B), ratio, amylose and protein contents and processing conditions namely, extent/degree of hydrothermal treatment, degree of milling and percentage of salt addition to rice, on puffing quality were studied in detail. the L:B ratio of varieties tested showed a positive correlation (r = 0.69) with expansion ratio (ER) of puffed rice produced. Total amylose and hot water insoluble amylose contents revealed a definite pattern of relationship, with ER showing predicted peaks at 28.5% total amylose (db) and 13.5% insoluble amylose (db) for highest ER. Protein content showed a negative relationship (r =^?0.79) with ER. A new method for determining extent/degree of starch gelatinization, based on Brabender hot paste peak viscosity value (viscosity of 15% slurry retained at 95°C for 20 min.) was used in this study. Normal parboiled and pressure parboiled rice having 425 BU and 240 BU peak viscosities produced highest ER of 7.5 and 9.7% respectively. A 6% milling (minimum) and a 2% salt (NaCl/CaCl₂) addition during preconditioning of rice resulted in maximum ER.     

Comparative studies on the physicochemical properties and microstructure of raw and parboiled rice

The protein and mineral salts of rice were found to have increased while water-soluble substances were found to have decreased as a result of parboiling. Parboiling resulted in marked changes in the amylograph properties of rice paste, as well as increasing its resistance to alkali dispersion. The grains were shorter but wider, with lower water absorption and swelling capacity during cooking than those of raw-milled rice.The differences in ultrastructure between dry and cooked raw-milled and parboiled rice were studied with a scanning electron microscope. Complete deformation of the starch granules was evident in the raw-milled rice after cooking for 9 × 10² and 12 × 10² s, while those of parboiled rice showed great resistance to deformation. Variations in the over-cooked grains of both raw-milled and parboiled rice were studied.     

Parboiling of rice. Part I: Effect of hot soaking time on quality of milled rice

This study investigated the effect of soaking time on the quality of parboiled rice. The paddy was soaked in water at 25 and 80 °C for 15, 30, 45, 60 and 120 min. The soaked paddy was steamed, dried, stored and milled. With increasing soaking time a significant increase in water absorption and milling and head rice yield (hence reduction in broken rice) was observed. A significant difference in milling yield, at the 1% level, was obtained between the raw rice control and the hot soaked parboiled samples. A large reduction in fissured grain was observed after soaking. It is suggested that parboiling fills the void spaces and cements the cracks inside the endosperm, making the grain harder and minimizing internal fissuring and thereby breakage during milling.     

EFFECT OF ARTISANAL PARBOILING METHODS ON MILLING YIELD AND COOKED RICE TEXTURAL CHARACTERISTICS

ABSTRACT

One of the main objectives of artisanal rice parboiling is to reduce the levels of broken grains (brokens) on milling. Rice samples that had been parboiled using different regimes of soaking temperatures and steaming times were analyzed for their physical properties and cooked rice textures. It was established that inappropriate soaking and steaming regimes resulted in greater levels of brokens than raw‐milled paddy. Consequently, in artisanal parboiling, the initial soaking temperature should be about 90C and the steaming time should be more than 8 min, ideally, about 12 min. On cooking, more severely parboiled rice samples had firmer textures than mildly parboiled samples. The commercially parboiled sample and the more severely laboratory‐parboiled samples required a rice‐to‐water ratio of 1:3, while the raw‐milled sample and the mildly parboiled ones required a 1:2½ rice‐to‐water ratio for optimum cooking.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Artisanal rice parboiling is carried out mainly to reduce the levels of broken grains and increase the yield of milled rice in many countries. If this is carried out very well, there are economic benefits as more rice of better quality is available to be sold. This study provides information on optimum processing conditions, i.e., initial soaking temperature of about 90C and a steaming time of about 12 min. The study also provides recommendations on optimum cooking conditions, i.e., rice‐to‐water ratio, for the variably parboiled rice samples.     

HEAT TRANSFER DURING FLUIDIZED BED PUFFING of RICE GRAINS

A pneumatic rice puffing machine was developed for increasing the production capacity of puffed rice for which a knowledge of the heat transfer process during puffing was required. the physical properties of the rice grains and other fluidization parameters, necessary for this study was experimentally determined. the surface heat transfer coefficient in case of hot air fluidized bed puffing was found to be 155.39 W/m²K. the calculated grain surface temperature for puffing was about 170°C and this did not vary significantly for experimental puffing air temperatures ranging from 200°C to 270°C. the air temperature ranging from 240°C to 270°C with corresponding exposure time of 9.7 s to 7s was found to be optimum for higher expansion ratio (8.5 to 10) and better color of the product. the temperature differentials between surface and center temperatures and between surface and average temperatures of the grains at the time of puffing were found to vary linearly with various puffing air temperatures and their ratios remained almost constant at 2.056.     

Effect of parboiling on thiamin, protein and fat of rice

Parboiling decreased the thiamin content of rice. Nevertheless, milled parboiled rice contained more thiamin than milled raw rice at the same degree of milling because parboiling caused thiamin to diffuse inwardly. Both the degree of loss and the degree of diffusion depended on the severity of the heat treatment. Bran-polish of parboiled rice had a higher fat and protein content than bran-polish of raw rice at the same degree of milling because the starchy endosperm of parboiled rice had a greater resistance to milling and so the bran and the germ were more effectively removed. Milled parboiled rice tended to have lower protein content than milled raw rice. Starch content was lower in bran-polish from parboiled rice.     

Parboiling improved oxidative stability of milled white rice during one-year storage

Parboiling was investigated to improve the long-term oxidative stability of milled white rice beyond its current application to paddy brown rice. White rice was steamed at 105°C for 20 min, 120°C for 5 min, or 120°C for 20 min without soaking in water, followed by drying at 70°C for 3 h. During oneyear storage at 25 and 4°C, acid value as an index of oxidative deterioration of rice remained relatively constant in parboiled rice samples, while significant increases were observed in raw rice with higher acid values at 25°C compared with 4°C. This indicates that the parboiling improved the oxidative stability of white rice over the long period of time even at room temperature, therefore it can be an efficient alternative to retard the oxidative deterioration of white rice.     

Puffing of Rice Cakes as Influenced by Tempering and Heating Conditions

Puffed rice cakes were produced from long grain brown rice by a pressure-drop puffing method. Effects of raw rice tempering conditions (time and moisture level) and heating conditions (temperature and time) immediately before puffing on rice cake volume were investigated. In general, a lower moisture level (14% vs 16–20%) in raw rice and longer tempering time (5 hr vs 1–3 hr) resulted in higher specific volumes in rice cakes. Higher heating temperature (230°C vs 200–220°C) and 8 sec heating produced rice cakes with higher specific volumes. Darker cakes were obtained with the high temperature and long time combinations.     

Key factors affecting Fe density in Fe-fortified-parboiled rice: Parboiling conditions,storage duration,external Fe-loading rate and genotypic differences

The present study evaluated the key factors affecting the efficiency of iron (Fe) penetration into the endosperm in parboiled rice of different varieties. It also investigated effects of storage time on Fe bio-accessibility, rice colour and Fe retention after rinsing. Rice grains of three varieties were fortified with an increasing range of Fe-fortification rates during the parboiling process, under two typical parboiling conditions, which are ambient soaking temperature for 24 h and 60 °C soaking temperature for 6 h at neutral (6.0–6.5) and acidic pH (3.0–3.5). Soaking of paddy rice, at 60 °C in acidic water for 6 h before steaming, was found to be better for maximising the Fe concentration in white-parboiled rice than the former ambient soaking. Under this parboiling condition, adding 250 mg Fe kg⁻¹ of paddy rice, at soaking, produced the most desirable Fe concentration in white rice, ranging from 17.5 to 25.4 mg kg⁻¹ among the rice varieties tested. The concentrations of Fe in parboiled white rice exhibited an exponential increase with increasing concentrations of Fe in the soaking water in all varieties, which were linearly related to Fe concentration of brown rice (r = 0.96∗∗, p < 0.01). The colour of the parboiled rice fortified with Fe was initially light yellow, with variation among rice varieties, but it did become slightly darker after 16 weeks of storage, probably because of Fe oxidisation. This may be related to decreasing bio-accessibility after 20 weeks of storage. Storage, however, did not affect the total Fe retention after rinsing, though the retention rate was variety-dependent. Information about parboiling will provide the basis for formulating an optimal industry protocol for producing Fe-fortified-parboiled rice, which can be further refined in pilot studies on the industrial scale.     

Some physical properties of paddy and rice and their interrelations

Grain dimensions, density, bulk density, porosity and angle of repose of paddy and rice were studied with respect to (a) varietal difference, (b) effect of moisture content, and (c) effect of degree of milling.

• (a) Grain breadth and thickness were mutually correlated; all dimensions of milled rice were closely related to those of the corresponding paddy. Density was nearly constant at 1.452 g/ml in all rice varieties; in paddy, the value was around 1.182 g/ml for round varieties and around 1.224 g/ml for others. Bulk density varied appreciably in both rice (0.777–0.847) and paddy (0.563–0.642 g/ml), and so did porosity (41–46% in rice, 46–54% in paddy). These were related to the grain shape (l/b ratio); the more round the grain, the greater was the bulk density and the lower the porosity and vice versa. Angle of repose was relatively constant in different varieties of rice (average 37.5°) and paddy (average 36.5°).
• (b) With increasing moisture content, in rice, density decreased linearly; but the bulk density decreased twice as fast and the porosity increased owing to a concurrent progressive increase in the frictional property which decreased the degree of grain packing. In paddy, with increasing moisture content, density and bulk density increased, showing the presence of void space between the husk and the kernel; the angle of repose also increased moderately, but the porosity remained nearly constant.
• (c) Density of rice increased slightly with milling; but bulk density, porosity and angle of repose were markedly affected by the degree of milling. In general, with progressive milling, bulk density decreased at first and then increased, while porosity and angle of repose changed in reverse fashion—the changes being more pronounced in parboiled rice than in raw rice. Thus brown rice packed well and flowed freely; rice of intermediate polish, particularly parboiled rice, had poor packing and flow properties; and fully milled rice again packed and flowed well. The primary change in these was in frictional property, which affected the porosity and hence the bulk density. The frictional property in turn was related primarily to the surface fat content of the rice. The surface fat increased sharply on initial milling, more in parboiled rice, and then gradually disappeared on full milling.