Improvement of gelation properties of indica rice flour with stabilized rice bran from different thermal treatment

Background and ObjectivesRice bran is enriched with bioactive compounds, which makes it more competitive as a functional food raw material. The stabilization of rice bran can inhibit the activity of endogenous enzymes, reduce its oxidation sensitivity, and change its physical and chemical properties, providing more possibilities for its application in the food industry. In this study, rice bran from five stabilization treatments (atmospheric pressure cooking, high-pressure cooking, atmospheric steam, microwave heating, and extrusion cooking) were investigated for their effect on the gel properties of indica rice flour.FindingsStabilized rice bran could enhance the hydration properties and increase the enthalpy value of rice flour. The gelatinization properties indicated that the viscosity and fluidity of the rice paste were increased, and the aggregation and rearrangement of rice starch were promoted. From the rheological properties, stabilized rice bran enhanced the viscoelasticity of the rice flour gel. In addition, the stabilized rice bran could also reduce the yield of freeze-thawing water of the rice flour gel. Rice bran with thermal treatments can significantly improve the gel properties of indica rice flour.ConclusionsIndica rice flour mixed with stabilized rice bran showed significant improvements in hydration, gelatinization, rheological properties, and freeze-thaw stability.Significance and NoveltyIt is potential for the application of the gel from rice flour with stabilized rice bran in the starch-based food industry.