Their tendency to break is primarily
determined by fissures, chalkiness, immaturity and rice kernel dimensions, properties which are both
cultivar and rice grain history dependent. The intensity of processing of any given rice feedstock determines
the actual level of broken rice kernels. If performed properly, parboiling, a three-step hydrothermal
treatment consisting of soaking, heating and drying of rough rice, substantially reduces the level of broken
kernels.