The effect of sun-drying on milling yield and quality of rice

The effects of sun-drying on milling and the quality of rice (Oryza) in ter ms of milling yield and percentage of broken grains were investigated. The rice paddy was threshed before being subjected to two treatments based on w hether it was parboiled or non-parboiled. Samples of each were then sun-dri ed on a concrete floor or on a mat and were milled at different levels of m oisture content. After milling, weights of whole grains and broken grains f or each sample were determined. The experiment was replicated five times. T he method of sun-drying and the moisture content of the dried grains before milling significantly affected the milling yield and the percentage of bro ken grains. Parboiled rice dried on a concrete floor gave a higher yield pe rcentage and a lower proportion of broken grains than did grains dried on a mat. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.