A Comparative Study on Proximate and Micronutrient Composition of Various Varieties of Rice Produced in Punjab, Pakistan

The present work aims to assess and compare the nutritional composition of the indigenously produced samples of Basmati Pak, Basmati KS 282, Super Basmati, Organic Brown Rice, 1121 Kainat Sella Rice (parboiled), Super Kernel (parboiled).The proximate analysis of macronutrients and micronutrients (Thiamine, Riboflavin Niacin, Fe, Ca, and Zn) was conducted according to AOAC, 2005 and AOAC, 2008 official methods respectively. The results showed that protein (N×5.7), crude fiber and ash contents were found to be highest in the Organic Brown rice, while the fat content was similar in all rice types. The highest moisture and protein content was found in Super Kernel Rice. Basmati Pak had the lowest percentage of moisture and ash, Super White Basmati had the least amount of protein and crude dietary fiber while the lowest percentage of fat was found in Basmati KS 282. In terms of micro-nutrients, Super Kernel Rice showed to have a higher content of Thiamin, Riboflavin, and Niacin as compared to the rest of the varieties. 1121 Kainat Sella Rice had the highest contents of Ca. Organic Brown Rice was found to have the highest level of Fe and Zn. The significantly lower levels of Thiamin and Riboflavin were found in Basmati Pak and lowest level of Niacin was found in Super Basmati. Similarly Basmati Pak had the lowest level of Ca and Zn while Kainat Sella Rice (parboiled) had the lowest levels of Fe content. The nutritional composition data suggests that some nutrients are present in one variety of rice while others are present in another variety. Basmati Pak variety had least amount of nutrients. The information obtained from this research may be of interest to food manufacturers and consumers for acknowledging the compositional variation in indigenous rice varieties.