Determination of the functional properties of some Nigerian and imported rice varieties

Abstract

This study determined the comparative study of the functional properties of some Nigerian and imported rice varieties. The result showed a significant difference in functional properties at (p>0.05). Illa (Nigerian) rice had the highest Water Absorption Capacity (WAC) (353.76%) and Oil Absorption Capacity (OAC) (218.32%) than the imported rice variety. The bulk density of both samples had less significantly different values. The percentage values of dispersibility (75.00%) were higher in Ofada (Nigerian) rice. Nigerian rice had a higher swelling index (10.91%). The amylopectin contents of tested rice varieties were 76.26, 76.55, 75.58, 74.37, and 77.55% for Illa, Abakaliki, Jemila, Ofada, and Imported rice, respectively. The result revealed that Imported rice had the highest value (77.55%) of amylopectin, followed by Abakaliki rice which recorded 76.55%, and Illa rice variety from the Southern region had 76.28%. In comparison, the Ofada rice sample had the lowest value (74.37%) of amylopectin content, followed by Jemila rice which recorded 75.58% of amylopectin content. The amylose content for Illa, Abakaliki, Jemila, Ofada, and Imported rice varieties was 23.73, 23.45, 24.42, 25.64, and 22.45%, respectively. Rice flour, with low amylose content, gives moistness, chewiness, and softness to the textures of the product. It showed that Ofada rice had the highest value (25.64%) of amylose content, followed by Jemila rice which recorded 24.42% of amylose content. The lowest value (22.45%) was found in imported rice, followed by Abakaliki rice with 23.45% and Illa rice sample with 23.73% of amylose content. It can be concluded that Nigerian rice is compared handsomely with imported rice in terms of functional properties, which determines the end-use and general acceptability of flour samples.