Review of post-harvest rice cooling for storage in the USA Luthra Kaushik1, Mays Anna1, Atungulu Griffiths G.1,* 1Department of Food Science, University of Arkansas Systems, Division of Agriculture, Fayetteville, AR, USA *Corresponding Author’s E-mail Address: atungulu@uark.edu
Online published on 7 March, 2025. Abstract The aim of this review paper is to document the role of post-harvest rice cooling in ensuring the safe storage of rice, given the ongoing increase in rice production. The United States exports substantial quantities of rice, with milled and rough rice being the primary exports. The industry has experienced growth, propelled by rising demand, a diverse population, and international trade. Effective storage of harvested rice is essential for year-round utilization, and the USA utilizes both on-farm and off-farm in-bin storage methods equipped with features like moisture control, pest management, and temperature regulation. The adoption of rice cooling technology for storage emerges as a solution to accelerate drying, prolong shelf life, and improve overall quality. Despite challenges such as upfront costs and energy requirements, cooling technology offers benefits for both short-term and long-term storage. Integrating cooling models into mathematical simulations becomes crucial for optimizing storage conditions. Research opportunities in post-harvest rice cooling focus on energy-efficient technologies, smart sensors, modern storage structures, microbial control methods, and economic evaluations. Future trends encompass automation, intelligent monitoring, climate-controlled storage, sustainability measures, and technological integration to enhance the efficiency and security of rice storage facilities in the USA. Top Keywords Antioxidant, Box-Behnken design, Citrus fruit, Optimization, Total phenolic content, Waste. Top |