Grain quality and health-promoting components of traditional black and red rices

White rice is the staple food commonly consumed in the Philippines because it is rich in carbohydrates and is a great source of energy. However, there are also various pigmented or colored rices which provide not only energy but other health benefits too. To determine the difference in the amounts of health promoting components between traditional rice varieties of different color, black (Ballatinao) and red (Chorchoros) rices were evaluated for proximate composition, vitamins and minerals, phytonutrients such as total anthocyanin and phenolics, and antioxidant activity. The grain quality parameters of both varieties were also assessed. Ballatinao had opaque grains with medium length and intermediate shape. Based on amylose content, Ballatinao was classified as waxy. On the hand, Chorchoros grains were also medium in length but bold in shape. It had intermediate amylose content. Sensory evaluation revealed that both varieties were slightly aromatic and glossy in their raw forms. When cooked, the black color of Ballatinao was extremely more intense than the red color of Chorchoros. In addition, Ballatinao was glossy and very tender while Chorchoros was slightly glossy and hard. Proximate analysis showed that Ballatinao has higher ash content, 1.60%, than Chorchoros, 1.28%. The crude protein of Ballatinao at 6.99% was higher than that of Chorchoros at 5.05%. The crude fiber was 0.44%, and 0.32%, respectively. The crude fat of Ballatinao was higher, 3.24%, while Chorchoros has 2.83%. The total anthocyanin content of Ballatinao was 5674 mg/ml while Chorchoros had only 61 mg/ml. The total phenolics were 9.30 and 6.18mg gallic acid equivalent/g, respectively. The antioxidant activity of Ballatinao at 83.7% was slightly higher than that of Chorchoros at 80.0%. Therefore, the black Ballatinao had more health-promoting components compared to the red Chorchoros. The consumption of pigmented rices must be encouraged to take advantage of their health benefits.