The effect of microwave radiation on rice quality was investigated using an industrial continuous microwave oven. Effects of
microwave treatment, packaging method and storage time on rice quality during storage were assessed. Water content, free fatty acid
content and protein content were reduced but the blue value (BV) of rice and the sensory quality of cooked rice increased as microwaveenergy
consumption increased. Qualities of both microwave-treated and untreated rice changed during storage, but the changes were less
in the treated rice sample. Differences in the protein content, fat content and total sugar content between the microwave-treated and
untreated rice were significant at the beginning of storage but not after storage for more than 120 days. Variance analysis showed that
rice storage qualities were significantly affected by treatment methods and storage time while packaging methods had no significant effect
on any of the qualities.