Cereal Chem. 78(3):354-357The expansion of value-added uses for rice has created a demand for quantitative models of functional changes during postharvest handling. Consequently, this study evaluated the effects of postharvest parameters on the functional properties of long-grain (cvs. Cypress and Kaybonnet) and medium-grain (cv. Bengal) rice. The experimental treatments included rough rice drying conditions (low vs. high temperature drying), storage moisture content (10, 12, and 14%), storage temperature (4, 21, and 38°C), and storage duration (up to 36 weeks). Milling, cooking, and amylograph pasting properties were analyzed. Polynomial models (up to third-order) were developed to describe the effects of postharvest factors on the functional properties. Drying treatments, storage moisture content, and storage duration affected (P < 0.05) all of the functional properties. Storage temperature influenced (P < 0.01) cooking and pasting properties, but not milling properties. Overall, there were significant interactions among the postharvest parameters. Additionally, these factors were related to the functional properties by higher-order relationships.Publication no. C-2001-0416-03R.