Aeration of Rough Rice in Long-Term Storage

Abstract

ABSTRACT RESEARCH on long-term storage of rough rice was performed to determine the effectiveness and limitations of aeration for maintaining the quality of rice in bulk storage in the warm and humid climate of the Texas rice growing area. Control of stored-grain insects was determined to be the most important consideration in successful long-term storage of rough rice. Rice in bins equipped with aeration was maintained at cooler temperatures than was rice in non-aerated bins. With aeration, rice was cooled to temperatures of 15 C (59 F) or lower throughout late fall and winter months to greatly inhibit insect reproduction. Cooler average rice temperatures in aerated bins compared with rice temperatures in non-aerated bins, kept germination of seed at a higher level, and slowed the buildup of fat acidity. Rice stored 54 months in bins in which insect infestation were controlled remained at grade, U.S. no. 1, and was more than marginally acceptable to the majority of taste panel participants.