Effects of High-Temperature Drying on the Flavor Components in Thai Fragrant Rice

The effects of high-temperature drying on Thai Jasmine rice were investigated. Paddy was first rewetted and then dried using a two-stage drying process, involving a fluidized bed at high temperature, followed by shade drying (ambient air drying). Three high drying temperatures: 100, 125, and 150°C were studied. Volatile compounds were extracted by distillation and extraction in a Likens and Nickerson apparatus, and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 94 volatile compounds were identified. These included 21 alcohols, 19 aldehydes, 14 ketones, 12 acids, 9 heterocyclic compounds, 8 hydrocarbons, 5 esters, and 6 miscellaneous compounds. 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline, a major constituent of volatiles in fragrant rice was identified and tended to increase in concentration with increasing drying temperature. The three different drying temperatures used in the fluidized bed dryer were found to have an effect on the volatile components of Thai Jasmine rice. The increase in drying temperature contributed to the formation of new compounds, as well as the loss of other desirable volatiles.