Changes in the quality of some improved rice grain varieties during storage

Abstract

Abstract This research aimed to investigate the changes in the quality of some improved rice grain varieties during storage. In the rainy season of 2014/2015, 10 improved rice varieties, namely, Inpari 10, 13, 16, 20, 30, Sintanur, Ciherang, Mekongga, Situ Bagendit, and Situ Patenggang, were planted at the Sukamandi Research Station, Indonesian Center for Rice Research. The rough rice grains were harvested at optimum maturity, machine threshed, and dried with a box dryer’s aid at a temperature of 45°C for 10 hours until the water content was at 13-14%. Furthermore, they were packed in plastic sacks and stored at room temperature for six months (March-November 2015). At 0, 3, and 6 months of storage, the rice’s physical, milling, and physicochemical qualities were analyzed. The results showed that the quality of all the rice grain varieties equally decreased during the six months of storage while the average grain moisture content slightly increased by 13.7% (13.30-14.16%). In addition, the yield of unpolished, polished, and head rice slightly decreased. While the percentage of broken rice, groats, green/chalky, and yellowing/damage grains slightly increased. Additionally, the gel consistency and alkali digestion remained constant, while the amylose content, water absorption ratio, and volume expansion ratio slightly increased.