HMT in rice grain or directly in rice starch affects differently the
thermal and pasting properties of rice starches and these effects are
intensified by treatment time. HMT reduces extraction yield of
starch by the alkaline method with increasing time of exposure to
high temperatures, suggesting an alteration in the structure of
starch-protein. This behaviour is not very well clear; however it is
possible that the method of protein solubilization used to isolate
the starch from HMT grains by sodium hydroxide solution can be
not efficient. Studies on best HMT time and the use of proteases
may be suggested, coupled to other methods of protein solubility to
improve starch extraction efficiency. The HMT in grains decreases