Study on the Gelatinization Properties and Amylose Content of Rice Varieties from Nigeria and Cameroun

Thirteen varieties (improved and local varieties) of non-parboiled milled rice (Oryza sativa Linn) grown in Nigeria and Cameroun were screened for gelatinization and amylose profile. Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) was used in determining the gelatinization enthalpy (H), onset (To), peak (Tp) and conclusion (Tc) temperatures. Results from DSC curves presented a single endothermic transition and a flow of maximum heating at peak temperatures from 67.66 and 81.27 °C.The enthalpy levels varied from 0.33 J/g for Panter, to 2.90 J/g for Jamila. Amylose content varied from 8.59 % for FARO 57, to 23.61 % for TOX 3145. Comparing samples of local varieties with those of improved varieties showed higher values for onset and peak gelatinization temperatures among local varieties. A significant and positive correlation was observed in onset temperature, peak and conclusion temperatures while amylose was negatively and weakly related to all gelatinization parameters.