Grain quality characteristics of selected Korean rice cultivars grown under Philippine agro-climatic conditions

Korean rice cultivars are recognized for their good eating quality thus commanding premium prize in the market. They have characteristic soft and sticky cooked grains. These rices serve as good genetic materials in the development of new varieties with excellent grain quality. However, they are usually grown under temperate climate. When grown under Philippine agro-climatic conditions, there is a need to evaluate not only the yield parameters but also the grain quality characteristics of these rices to help determine their acceptability and marketability. Selected Korean rice cultivars planted in Nueva Ecija \{Philippines] during 2012 WS [wet season] and 2013 DS [dry season] were characterized for milling recovery (brown rice, total milled rice, head rice), physical attributes (size, shape), physicochemical properties (amylose, protein, gelatinization temperature), and eating quality. Majority of the samples passed the recommended value for brown rice recovery (greater than or equal to 75.0%), with the highest observed in Hanareumbyeo (2012 WS) and Namilbyeo (2013 DS). Total milled rice recovery ranged from 65 to 75%. Most of the samples were classified as Grade 1 to Premium in terms of head rice recovery. Highest value was noted in Namcheonbyeo (2012 WS) and Taebaegbyeo (2013 DS). The Korean cultivars had short to medium grain length and bold to intermediate grain shape. They also had low amylose content. The protein content was 6.59 to 9.43% during 2012 WS (highest in Hyangmibyeo 2) and 7.69 to 9.00% during 2013 DS (highest in Milyang 23). All samples had low gelatinization temperature. To determine the acceptability of Korean rice cultivars among Filipinos, selected samples were subjected to consumer panel sensory evaluation in Nueva Ecija for 2012 WS samples and Tarlac [Philippines] for 2013 DS samples. Dasanbyeo was found to be most acceptable among the panelist in Nueva Ecija and Namcheonbyeo in Tarlac. This study demonstrated the excellent grain quality of Korean rice cultivars grown under Philippine conditions.