Effects of degree of milling on bran layer structure, physicochemical properties and cooking quality of brown rice

Effects of varying degree of milling (DOM) (0–22%) on the bran layer structure, physicochemical properties, and cooking quality of brown rice were explored. As the DOM increased, bran degree, protein, lipid, dietary fiber, amylose, mineral elements, and color parameters (a* and b* values) of milled rice decreased while starch and L* value increased. Microscopic fluorescence images showed that the pericarp, combined seed coat-nucellus layer, and aleurone layer were removed in rice processed at DOM of 6.6%, 9.2%, and 15.4%, respectively. The pasting properties, thermal properties, and palatability of rice increased as the DOM increased. Principal component and correlation analysis indicated that excessive milling lead to a decline in nutritional value of rice with limited impact on enhancing palatability. Notably, when parts of aleurone cell wall were retained, rice samples exhibited high cooking and sensory properties. It serves as a potential guide to the production of moderately milled rice. [Display omitted] •Observed microscopic changes of outer tissue layers in brown rice milling process.•Studied the distribution of nutrients in each tissue layer of brown rice kernels.•Establish a connection between retention degree of bran layers and rice quality.•Provided a method of moderate milling for brown rice.•Compared different impacts on nutrients and palatability of rice caused by milling.