Evaluation of physicochemical properties of plasma treated brown rice

A novel processing technology is developed to modify brown rice in a more selective way with the help of low-pressure plasma. The microstructure of the brown rice surface and the cooking, textural and iodine-staining properties of plasma treated brown rice are determined. The plasma treatment results in an etching of brown rice surface, which allows water to be easily absorbed by the rice kernel during soaking. After plasma treatment, the cooking time of brown rice is reduced, and the cooked brown rice has a soft texture and is easier to chew. In addition, the increment of the iodine-stained area indicates that the kernel structure of brown rice is substantially affected by plasma. Thus, plasma treatment can be used to improve the cooking properties and the quality of brown rice. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.