TABLE OF CONTENTS

Brown rice: A healthy food 1

Things you should know 2
about brown rice

ON CONSUMPTION 2
What is brown rice 2
What are the benefits from 4
eating brown rice?

How do you cook brown rice? 4

How do you store cooked brown rice? 5
What is the shelf life of 5
uncooked brown rice?

Where can you buy 5

brown (unpolished) rice?

Why is brown rice more 6

expensive than white rice?

ON PRODUCTION 8
What rice varieties are best 8
for brown rice production?

How is brown (unpolished) rice produced? 11

Can any rice mill produce 11
brown rice?

How is brown (unpolished) rice grade? 12

How should brown (unpolished) rice be 13
packaged?

How do you store brown rice 13

in rice mills?

Why is brown rice production 13

a good business?

ANNEX 15
Brown rice producers and 15
wholesalers
Brown rice: A healthy food
Before the introduction of commercial milling machines in the early
1950s, brown rice had been the main staple in Filipino households.
It is the rice where only the hull is removed from the grain. Its bran
remains, thus making it brown. Traditionally, it is prepared by hand-
pounding the dried palay with a mortar and pestle. Nowadays, only
certain communities in the Cordilleras and elsewhere still prepare their
rice this way. In other areas, sophisticated rice milling facilities have
almost wiped out the tradition of pounding, just as today’s glistening
white rice is nearly obliterating brown rice.

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The 2013 National Year of Rice advocacy that has evolved into the Be
RICEponsible campaign, both under the Department of Agriculture, are
resuscitating brown rice consumption. Brown rice is being promoted
nationwide because of three things – it can add value to rice that could
boost farmers’ income; simply milling brown rice instead of white can
increase the country’s rice produce by 10%; and it can help ease our
malnutrition problems because of its additional nutrients.

This publication wants to better inform everyone about the benefits of

eating brown rice to their bodies, to the farmers, to the environment,
and to the country. It aims to teach millers and entrepreneurs how to
produce brown rice and make good money out of it while making it
affordable for all Filipinos. This is because we want to see more and
more Filipinos buying and eating brown rice as though it were white
rice.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

BROWN RICE

On consumption

1. What is brown rice?

The so-called brown rice is actually not a variety. It is just your paddy or
rough rice (palay) without the outer covering called hull/husk. It is your
white rice that did not go through polishing that is why it still has the
bran (darak) and germ, making it called unpolished rice also. The bran
is responsible for its light brown or tan color, nutty taste, and chewy
texture; it also contains the vitamins and minerals. So since brown rice
is just your unpolished rice, any kind of rice, whether it be inbred or
hybrid, red, purple, or black, can be milled into “brown rice”. There is,
however, a real variety that is brown even when you polish it. But this is
not what we commonly see in the market. And it is not our topic here.

2
 Figure 1. The structure of the rice grain.
* To produce white rice, the hull and the bran are removed;
to produce brown (unpolished) rice, only the hull is taken out.

Source: Rice Chemistry and Food Science Division, PhilRice (Adapted from Juliano, 2010)

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2. What are the benefits of eating brown rice?
Brown or unpolished rice is good for your health. It is nutritionally
superior to white rice in terms of fiber, protein, good fats, vitamins B1,
B2, B3, B9, and E, minerals, and antioxidants.

Numerous clinical studies say that regular consumption of whole-

grain cereals, including brown or whole rice, may help reduce the
risks of cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. It also reduces
cholesterol; serves as effective laxative for regular bowel movements;
decreases urinary calcium that prevents kidney stones; and helps
diminish the temptation of over-eating.

Brown rice is also environment-friendly because it is energy-

efficient. This is because when producing brown rice, the polishing and
whitening steps are eliminated thereby saving 50-65% on fuel.

It is good for the country. Eating brown rice can help achieve rice self-
sufficiency since it results in 10% higher milling recovery. For instance,
from 10kg of paddy rice, we normally get just around 6.5kg polished
white rice. However, when milled into brown or unpolished rice, this
would result in 7.5kg.

It is good for the farmers. Brown rice production puts more value to
their produce through its heavier weight, higher price. Its additional
nutrients could also give their product an edge over cheap imported
rice.

3. How do you cook brown rice?

Brown or unpolished rice is normally soaked for 30 minutes in 1:2 ratio
(1 cup rice to 2 cups water) if soft and fluffy texture is desired. Soaking
reduces the cooking time while not soaking it would give you a nuttier
taste.

4
To fully enjoy brown rice, cook it according to your consistency
preference. You may experiment with the following:

• Soaking - Not soaked; or soaked for around 30 minutes.

• Amount of water - 1.5 to 2 times the brown rice volume
• Cooking duration and rate - slow cooking and low heat

You can also acquire brown rice taste gradually by blending it with white
rice in decreasing proportions (i.e., BR:WR = 50:50; 75:25; 100:0).

4. How do you store cooked brown rice?

Place the brown or unpolished rice in a covered container and store in
the refrigerator for up to 6 days. Storing brown or unpolished rice in the
freezer in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag will make it last
for 6 months. It is most practical to use the leftover cooked brown rice in
stir-fry, fried rice, porridge, champorado, and other recipes.

5. What is the shelf life of uncooked brown rice?

Clean white rice can be stored for an indefinite period of time. However,
brown rice is best consumed as soon as possible since it has a best-
before date because of its oil-rich bran that turns rancid over time. When
stored in an airtight container at room temperature, brown rice can last
for around 3 to 6 months depending on the packaging or container.
Storing it in a refrigerator, however, will make it last for up to 12 months.

6. Where can you buy brown (unpolished) rice?

You can buy brown rice from major supermarkets such as, but not limited
to, the following:

• Bios Dynamis Outlet

• Citimart
• Coconut House
• CVC

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 • Gaisano Malls • Puregold
• Hi-Top • Robinsons Supermarket
• Jojiberry • Savemore
• Metro Gaisano
• NCCC Malls
• Pioneer Centre

* For brown rice producers and wholesalers, see annex.

7. Why is brown rice more expensive than

white rice?
Despite the lower energy cost in producing brown or unpolished rice
and its higher milling recovery, it is priced higher than white rice for a
number of reasons.

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One, there are recommended varieties for brown or unpolished rice
production – the soft rice varieties, which are usually premium ones to
ensure palatability. These varieties command a higher selling price in
the market even when produced as white or polished rice.

Two, brown rice has shorter shelf life - only about 3 to 6 months. This
would cause no problem if there is high market demand. But because
there is low demand as of yet, producers pull out unsold products from
grocery shelves that obviously translate into added cost and losses.
Thus, they put a price on these matters that add up to the production
cost of brown rice. Sometimes, additional cost also comes from the
special packaging to prolong its shelf life.

Three, because of the low demand for brown rice, large-scale rice
millers, who are readily capable of producing brown rice cost-
effectively, are unwilling to produce brown rice yet. Smaller rice millers
without color sorter may put additional costs as they would need to
sort the dehulled (unpolished) and paddy rice manually.

Finally, present producers are putting a price for the health benefits of
brown (unpolished) rice. They know that health-conscious people are
willing to pay more for healthy food.

7
All these factors contributing to the high price of brown rice would
be solved by higher demand. A higher demand would solve shelf-life
issues and would encourage more producers, which would result in
better competition and lead to a more affordable brown rice price.

On production

8. What rice varieties are best for brown

rice production?
Best-tasting brown (unpolished) rice can be produced from varieties
that have low to intermediate amylose content to ensure that the rice
is soft and appetizing. These include premium rice varieties such as
Jasmine, Burdagol, Japonica, and upland heirloom rice varieties.

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Rice varieties with low amylose NSIC 2015 Rc404H (Mestiso 66)
content NSIC 2016 Rc456H (Mestiso 78)

Irrigated lowland (inbred) Rainfed lowland (dry-seeded)

MS6 NSIC 2011 Rc274 (Sahod Ulan 3)
MS8 NSIC 2011 Rc288 (Sahod Ulan 10)
NSIC Rc128 (Mabango 1) NSIC 2016 Rc480 (GSR 8)
NSIC Rc130 (Tubigan 1)
NSIC Rc160 (Tubigan 14) Saline
NSIC Rc170 (MS 11/Tropical Japonica) NSIC Rc108 (ANAHAWAN)
NSIC Rc172 (MS 13/High-Iron Rice) NSIC Rc184 (Salinas 2)
NSIC 2015 Rc396 (Tubigan 33) NSIC Rc188 (Salinas 4)
NSIC 2015 Rc400 (Tubigan 35) NSIC Rc190 (Salinas 5)
NSIC 2016 Rc436 (Tubigan 37) NSIC 2011 Rc290 (Salinas 6)
NSIC 2011 Rc292 (Salinas 7)
Irrigated lowland (special rice) NSIC 2016 Rc468 (Salinas 24)
NSIC Rc218 SR (Mabango 3)
NSIC Rc220 SR (Japonica 1) Cool elevated
NSIC 2011 Rc242 SR (Japonica 2) NSIC c104 (BALILI)
NSIC 2012 Rc304 SR (Japonica 3)
Rice varieties with intermediate
Irrigated lowland (hybrid) amylose content
NSIC Rc176H (Mestiso 13)
NSIC Rc178H (Mestiso 14) Irrigated lowland (inbred)
NSIC Rc196H (mestizo 16) IR 64
NSIC Rc2018H (Mestiso 22) PSB Rc28 (AGNO)
NSIC Rc210H (Mestiso 23) NSIC 2012 Rc298 (Tubigan 23)
NSIC 2010 Rc234H (Mestiso 27) NSIC 2012 Rc300 (Tubigan 24)
NSIC 2011 Rc246H (Mestiso 30) NSIC 2014 Rc352 (Tubigan 27)
NSIC 2011 Rc260H (Mestiso 37) NSIC 2014 Rc356 (Tubigan 29)
NSIC 2011 Rc262H (Mestiso 38) NSIC 2014 Rc358 (Tubigan 30)
NSIC 2011 Rc266H (Mestiso 40) NSIC 2014 Rc360 (Tubigan 31)
NSIC 2011 Rc268H (Mestiso 41) NSIC 2015 Rc394 (Tubigan 32)
NSIC 2013 Rc320H (Mestiso 49)

9
NSIC 2015 Rc398 (Tubigan 34) NSIC 2015 Rc412H (Mestiso 70)
NSIC 2015 Rc402 (Tubigan 36) NSIC 2016 Rc448H (Mestiso 74)
NSIC 2016 Rc438 (Tubigan 38) NSIC 2016 Rc452H (Mestiso 76)
NSIC 2016 Rc440 (Tubigan 39) NSIC 2016 Rc458H (Mestiso 79)
NSIC 2016 Rc442 (Tubigan 40)
Rainfed lowland (dry-seeded)
Irrigated lowland (special rice) NSIC 2011 Rc278 (Sahod Ulan 5)
NSIC 2015 Rc414SR (Japonica 4) NSIC 2015 Rc416 (Sahod Ulan 13)
NSIC 2016 Rc460 (Zinc Rice 1) NSIC 2015 Rc422 (Sahod Ulan 16)
NSIC 2015 Rc426 (Sahod Ulan 18)
Irrigated lowland (hybrid) NSIC 2015 Rc428 (Sahod Ulan 19)
NSIC 2011 Rc256H (Mestiso 35) NSIC 2015 Rc430 (Sahod Ulan 20)
NSIC 2011 Rc264H (Mestiso 39) NSIC 2016 Rc434 (Sahod Ulan 21)
NSIC 2012 Rc306H (Mestiso 43) NSIC 2016 Rc476 (Sahod Ulan 24)
NSIC 2013 Rc310H (Mestiso 44) NSIC 2016 Rc478 (Sahod Ulan 25)
NSIC 2013 Rc312H (Mestiso 45)
NSIC 2013 Rc314H (Mestiso 46) Upland
NSIC 2013 Rc322H (Mestiso 50) NSIC 2014 Rc25 (Katihan 2)
NSIC 2013 Rc350H (Mestiso 51) NSIC 2014 Rc27 (Katihan 3)
NSIC 2014 Rc362H (Mestiso 52) NSIC 2014 Rc29 (Katihan 4)
NSIC 2014 Rc368H (Mestiso 55)
NSIC 2014 Rc378H (Mestiso 60) Saline
NSIC 2014 Rc380H (Mestiso 61) NSIC 2013 Rc324 (Salinas 10)
NSIC 2014 Rc382H (Mestiso 62) NSIC 2014 Rc392 (Salinas 20)
NSIC 2014 Rc384H (Mestiso 63) NSIC 2016 Rc462 (Salinas 21)
NSIC 2015 Rc406H (Mestiso 67) NSIC 2016 Rc464 (Salinas 22)
NSIC 2015 Rc408H (Mestiso 68) NSIC 2016 Rc466 (Salinas 23)
NSIC 2015 Rc410H (Mestiso 69)

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Aside from the variety, properly drying the paddy for brown rice production
would guarantee good taste.

9. How is brown rice produced?

Brown (unpolished) rice is produced through the process called dehulling,
where only the hull or husk from the rough or paddy rice is removed
(see Figure 2).

Figure 2. The process of producing brown (unpolished) rice.

Dehulling can be done by hand or machine. By hand, rough rice is grinded

between two slabs of stones, or pounded using the mortar and pestle. The
husk is then separated from the brown rice grains by winnowing. By machine,
the brown rice mill or single/multiple-pass milling machines are used.

10. Can any rice mill produce brown rice?

Technically, yes, but with modifications.

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For single-pass or two-staged mills, install a simple diversion chute between
the rubber roll and the whitener to prevent the dehulled/unpolished grains
from proceeding to the polishing section. Additional paddy separators that
separate unhulled grains from the brown or unpolished rice would also help.

The unhulled grains can be collected or diverted back to the dehuller either
manually or mechanically through a bucket elevator. The resulting brown
rice can then be collected in the separator for packaging. Note, however, that
this modified single-pass milling machine cannot be used to simultaneously
produce brown and white rices.

For multi-staged or multi-pass mills, the milling process involves pre-cleaning,

removing the husk (dehulling), paddy and brown or unpolished rice separation,
series of whitening or polishing (removing the bran layer), separating the
broken from the whole grains, and bagging. No modifications are needed since
the dehuller and paddy separator that brown rice milling requires are already in
place. To produce brown rice, the whitening and polishing components must be
simply turned off.

Made-to-order brown rice mills are also available. A compact impeller huller
for brown rice production has also been developed at PHilMech.

11. How is brown (unpolished) rice graded?

Just as with white rice, grading is based on National Food Authority (NFA)
standards.

Table 2. NFA grading standards for white rice.

Source: AO-2013-04-003, NFA

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12. How should brown (unpolished) rice be
packaged?
Brown rice must be packaged in a sealed plastic bag to ensure that the aroma is
preserved. It should be stored in a cool dry place.

To further prolong the shelf life, store the package in the coldest compartment
of the refrigerator, but not in the freezer, to slow down the action of free fatty
acids that cause rancidity after some time.

13. How do you store brown (unpolished) rice in rice

mills?
Store it in sealed bags or containers under ideal storage conditions. It must be
kept in a clean, cool, and dry place that is free of contaminants to maintain its
quality.

14. Why is brown rice production a good business?

Income from brown (unpolished) rice production is bigger because it has lower
energy requirement but with higher milling recovery and price than white rice.
At equal prices, brown rice will still earn a higher profit than white rice as shown
in the following:

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Note: Energy savings for brown rice is computed at 50%.

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ANNEX: BROWN RICE PRODUCERS
AND WHOLESALERS

Metro Manila
Bios Dynamis (Organic)
Matino cor. Malumanay Sts., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City

Department of Agriculture Agribusiness Showroom

Elliptical Road, Quezon City
(02) 928-8741 loc. 2173-2175
(02) 929-1718
[email protected]

Global Organic & Wellness Corporation (GLOWCORP)

13 A Judge Jimenez St., Kristong Hari, Quezon City
[email protected]
(02) 414-4252

Got Heart Shop

#69 Esteban Abada St., Katipunan, Quezon City
(02) 577-9138
[email protected]

RR Trade (Organic)
PRRM Building, 56 Mother Ignacia Ave., Quezon City
(02) 372-4991 loc. 55;(02) 414-7826

Cordillera Administrative Region

Tierra Madre Organica
102 Abanao St., Baguio City
Contact Person: Maria Romero
0932-739-2561; 0906-371-3111
[email protected]

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Region I
Pangasinan Rice Processing Complex
Tebag East, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan
(075) 529-1393
[email protected]
Contact Person: Mac Jesson V. Tucay
0915-987-5360;0929-749-4052
[email protected]

Region III
MN Aquino Palay Trading
Carillo Subdivision,
Brgy. Mangino, Gapan City

Oliver Ricemill (bulk orders only)

Bacal 2, Talavera, Nueva Ecija
Telefax no. (044) 456-0508

Philippine Rice Research Institute

Business Development Division
Maligaya, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija
(044) 456-0258 loc. 601
[email protected]

Region IV-B
Farmers Bigasan
Mabuhay Multi-Purpose Cooperative
National Highway, Brgy. Sta. Monica (beside MRM Construction Supply),
Puerto Prinsesa City
Contact Person: Felino Tumalac
0939-915-4669; 0917-884-2204
[email protected]
[email protected]

16
Liwanag Rice
Llanzanas Bldg., National Highway, San Pedro,
Puerto Prinsesa City
Contact Person: Ronel M. David
0917-852-5542

Region V
Pecuaria (Organic Only)
Contact Person: Mr. Miller Bicaldo
Bula, Camarines Sur
0917-552-5340
[email protected]/
[email protected]

“Cheetah Rice”
E. G. Lupenario Rice Mill
Del Pilar, Bulan, Sorsogon
Contact Person: Bernardo Lupenario
0949-371-3007

Region VI
Iloilo Rice Processing Complex
Amamaros, Pototan, Iloilo
(033) 529-8780
0916-636-2117/0948-350-6300
Contact Person: Jo Melocoton
0917-342-5779;0907-665-9637

PhilRice Negros
Cansilayan, Murcia
6129 Negros Occidental
0928-520-4585

17
Region VII
Bohol RPC Outlet Store
Groundfloor, Marbella Hostel
Gallarez St., Tagbilaran City
0948-879-3817

Bohol Rice Processing Complex

Poblacion, Pilar, Bohol
0910-124-5115
[email protected]
Contact Person: Mr. Alvin A. Mante (Plant Manager)
0999-581-2023

EG Agro-eco Ventures (available for shipping to Cebu at cost)

Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
Contact Person : Mr. Ernesto Quijano
0906-872-5282
[email protected]

LT Trading Rice and Corn Mill

414 Rizal St., Hi-way Paknaan, Mandaue City, Cebu
Contact Person: Glenn Besañes
(032) 346-1071;(032) 420-4123
0922-878-8216

Randel Store
Emilio Jacinto St., Tagbilaran City
Contact Person: Adelaida Iyog
(038) 411-3711

Region X
LT Trading Milling
Pandan, Sta. Filomena, Iligan City
Contact Person: Miko G. Besañes
(063) 225-1557;(063) 225-1846
0917-301-0990

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Region XI
Davao Rice Processing Complex
Sinaragan, Matanao, Davao del Sur
[email protected]
Contact Person: Engr. Leonaveta L. Nedarao (Plant Manager)
0946-588-2762

“MAGRICE”
Magsaysay Organic Farmers Marketing Cooperative
Poblacion, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur

Region XII
PHL Trading
Poblacion 8, Midsayap, North Cotabato
Contact Person: Arcon T. Florendo
0922-888-7300

Mall of Alnor
Alnor Complex, Sinsuat Ave.,
RH 9, Cotabato City

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REFERENCES:
Francisco, Sergio R. (2011), Implications of Brown Rice to Self-Sufficiency, presented
during the Policy Seminar-Workshop on Mainstreaming Brown Rice to Low- and Middle-
Income Families; DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva
Ecija; ISBN 978-971-9081-78-4.

IRRI Rice Milling Manual, downloaded from http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/step-

by-step-production/postharvest/milling/teaching.

Juliano, Bienvenido O. (2007), Rice Chemistry, DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute,

Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, p. 27, ISBN 978-971-9081-44-9.

Lantin, Reynaldo M. (2015), Brown Rice For Health, presented during the forum on
Promoting the Consumption of Unpolished Rice or Brown Rice for Public Health and a
Strategy for Making Brown Rice Accessible to the Poor; Management Association of the
Philippines.

Liong, Henry Lim Bon (2011), Strategies to Increase the Availability of Brown Rice in the
Market, presented during the Policy Seminar-Workshop on Main-streaming Brown
Rice to Low- and Middle-Income Families; DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute,
Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija; ISBN 978-971-9081-78-4.

Mamaril, Cezar, cited in Nourishing a Nation by Alaric Francis Santiague posted on-line
in http://irri.org/rice-today/nourishing-a-nation in 2013.

Proceedings of the Policy Seminar-Workshop on Mainstreaming Brown Rice to Low-

and Middle-Income Families. (2011). Maligaya, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija: DA-
Philippine Rice Research Institute.

Romero, Marissa V. (2011), Nutritional and Health Aspects of Brown Rice, presented
during the Policy Seminar-Workshop on Mainstreaming Brown Rice to Low- and
Middle-Income Families; DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute, Science City of Muñoz,
Nueva Ecija; ISBN 978-971-9081-78-4.

Stewart, Martha (2012), Master Recipe: Brown Rice, Martha Stewart Living, posted
online at http://www.marthastewart.com/924877/masterecipe-brown-rice in
September, 2012.

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NOTES:
NOTES:
NOTES:
Subject Matter Specialists
Marissa V. Romero, PhD (PhilRice)
Henry M. Corpuz (PhilRice)
Hazel V. Antonio (PhilRice)
Engr. Harvey V. Valdez (PhilRice)
Engr. Reynaldo Gregorio, PhD (PHilMech)

Managing Editor
Adeline P. Gomez

Graphic Artist
John Glen S. Sarol

Writers / Editors
Hazel V. Antonio
Catalina K. Acpal

Editorial Advisers
Constante T. Briones
Calixto M. Protacio

For further information, contact:

Be RICEponsible Secretariat
Philippine Rice Research Institute
Maligaya, Science City of Muñoz, 3119 Nueva Ecija
Tel. No. (044) 456-5390; (044) 456-0277 loc. 520;
0947-996-2556
www.bericeponsible.com
http://www.facebook.com/riceponsableako

Readers are encouraged to reproduce the contents of this

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