Physicochemical Properties and Eating Qualities of Milled Rice from Different Korean Elite Rice Varieties

Physicochemical properties and palatability of rice from six elite varieties in Korea (Chucheongbyeo, Saechucheongbyeo, Mihyangbyeo, Hitomebore, Nampyeongbyeo, and Ilpumbyeo) were analyzed. All samples, which contained 17–18 g/100 g rice starch amylose, belong to low-amylose rice group. Hitomebore variety showed abundant amount of essential amino acids, highest palatability score (82.9), and lowest mineral content. The rice samples contained relatively similar concentrations of saturated (21–24 g/100 g rice) and unsaturated (75–78 g/100 g rice) fatty acids. Mihyangbyeo variety exhibited the highest amount of protein (8.10 g/100 g rice), sugar content, and pasting temperature (82.75°C) and time (3.78 min), but lowest viscosity values. Ribose, rhamnose, and potassium were found to have negative correlations with palatability and breakdown viscosity, indicating that gelatinization characteristics could also be used in evaluating the eating quality of rice. Results of this study could assist plant breeders in developing rice varieties with improved genetic traits and high eating quality.