Processing Paddy Rice: Parboiling and Milling
       
  Are there different parboiling methods?  
  List several methods of parboiling rice and describe the method most commonly used.  
     
Traditional and modern parboiling processes
 

A number of traditional and modern processes have been used to parboil paddy rice in different countries. Other methods are being developed or studied but have not yet reached a level of economic success. Each method is an attempt to improve on the technology or equipment used to soak, steam, and re-dry paddy.

Some methods are used on a limited scale because of high investment and operating costs. In some cases, the higher operating cost is justified as the process produces a specialty product that sells at a higher price.

  
Most common approach
 

Most parboiling is accomplished by:

  1. soaking the paddy in large concrete tanks and steaming it in small kettles,
  2. soaking the paddy in large concrete tanks and (Goviya) without a boiler, and
  3. soaking and steaming paddy in large metal tanks with a boiler.

These three methods have proved economical during many years of operation. Any of the methods when operated properly produces fair quality parboiled paddy rice at a minimum operating cost.

 
Next lesson
   In the next lesson, you will begin to learn about rice milling.