Question

Parboiling of rice offers the following advantages:
A. Greater resistance to insects and fungus infection
B. Grain becomes weak
C. Increase in nutritive value of rice
D. Dehusking of parboiled rice is easy
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B and D only
• B. A, B and C only
• C. A, C and D only
• D. B, C and D only

Hint:

Parboiling is a pre-milling treatment that effectively "steam-infuses" nutrients from the bran into the rice kernel. This makes the rice more nutritious (like brown rice) but with the appearance and texture of white rice, and also makes it tougher and easier to mill.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand the parboiling process. Parboiling consists of soaking raw rice (paddy) in water, steaming it, and drying it before milling.
Step 2: Evaluate the effects of this process.

A. Greater resistance to insects and fungus infection: The steaming process gelatinizes the starch, hardening and compacting the kernel, thus increasing its resistance to insect infestations.
B. Grain becomes weak: This is false. Gelatinization strengthens the grain, reducing breakage during milling.
C. Increase in nutritive value of rice: Soaking and steaming cause water-soluble vitamins and minerals (especially B vitamins) to migrate from the bran and germ into the starchy endosperm, retaining them even after milling.
D. Dehusking of parboiled rice is easy: Parboiling loosens the husk, simplifying and improving dehusking.
The advantages are A, C, and D.