Functional properties of some varieties of new rice for Africa (NERICA) relevant to its processing

Abstract

Flour from rice can be applicable to several types of food or be used directly as a food substitute, and this can have an impact on the final quality of the product. This aimed to determine the functional properties of some selected NERICA varieties, namely, FARO 44, FARO 52, FARO 57, FARO 60 and FARO 61. Results obtained showed that the functional properties, such as the water absorption capacity (WAC), swelling power, water solubility index (WSI), bulk density, oil absorption capacity (OAC), and the foaming capacity, ranged from 251.74 to 298.51 (%); 7.42 to 8.41 (g/g); 10.01 to 12.27 (%); 0.92 to 1.00 (%); 0.45 to 1.36 (%); and 7.29 to 11.76 (%) respectively. All recorded samples were significantly different (p < 0.05). FARO 61 recorded the highest point of 298.51 (%), and 1.36 (%), in WAC and OAC respectively. While FARO 57 recorded the highest swelling power of 8.41 (g/g). These determined results of the functional properties of NERICA flour samples will be useful in determining their suitability in food and other relevant industries because the flour samples showed a high-quality range of functional properties that make them favourable for such activities.

Keywords

• nerica
• functional properties
• rice
• food industry
• rice centre