The effects of freezing rates and storage temperatures on starch retrogradation and textural properties of
cooked rice were evaluated. Cooked rice was frozen with different freezing rates and then stored at 4 C
for 14 days or 18 C for up to 7 months. Starch retrogradation enthalpy (DHr) of cooked rice was
determined by a differential scanning calorimetry, and textural properties were determined by a texture
analyser. The results showed that the DHr and hardness values had a negative correlation with freezing
rate, however, a positive correlation was found between adhesiveness and freezing rate. On the other
hand, the advantages (lower hardness and higher adhesiveness, less starch retrogradaton) of cooked rice
gained by rapid freezing, were lost quickly in the first 3 days of storage at 4 C. However, rapid freezing
combined with 18 C frozen storage can effectively retard starch retrogradation and maintain the
textural properties of cooked rice for at least 7 months. Therefore, high quality cooked rice can be
produced by combined rapid freezing with frozen storage.