Determining the Physical Characteristics of Paddy Rice
       
  What causes grain discoloration and how is it measured?  
  Determine the cause of grain discoloration and perform a procedure for determining the percentage of discolored grains in a paddy rice sample.  
     
What causes discolored grains?
 

Paddy rice can ferment if exposed to wet conditions before it is dry. This can cause the rice to have an unattractive yellow appearance after milling which will downgrade its quality.

Add to this the potential for microorganisms and fungi to grow around the germ end of the brown rice kernel (which can cause black spots), and you soon realize that keeping the paddy rice dry between harvesting and drying is essential to avoid discolored grains.

  
   
Discolored milled rice grains are the result of paddy rice being exposed to wet conditions prior to drying and milling.

 
 

To view the procedure and accompanying worksheet for measuring the percentage of discolored grain in a sample of paddy rice, click here.

  
Are you ready for milling?
   Now that your paddy rice is securely stored with the correct moisture content, it is time for milling. In the next module, Rice Milling, you will learn about the operations of a rice mill and interact with a rice mill simulation that will allow you to test the variables discussed in this module.

  
Are you ready
to review?
   This lesson concludes Module 3, Determining the Physical Characteristics of Paddy Rice. If you need to review this module, use the arrows at the bottom and top of the screen to revisit the lessons. If you believe you are ready for a review of the knowledge you gained in this module, please click the forward arrow now.