Rice is the staple diet of more than half the world’s
population, primarily in East and Southeast Asia. While
Japan is self-sufficient in rice, the variability of rice
supply makes storage stability important in ensuring
ongoing high-quality rice availability. Rice grain deterioration
and the development of stale flavor during
storage are serious problems that reduce stored grain
quality. Many efforts have been made to stabilize brown
rice storage quality. Optimum packaging materials,
temperature, and atmosphere help slow oxidative deterioration
(Mitsuda et al., 1972; Sowbhagya and Bhattacharya,
1976; Ory et al., 1980; Sharp and Timme,
1986). However, the high cost of land and construction
in Japan complicate the building of temperaturecontrolled
warehouses that would help ensure the
success of postharvest rice treatment.