A simple chemical method for stabilization of rice bran.

A new simple chemical method for stabilization of rice
bran is described. The process, based on the principle that
lipase activity will be low at low pH, uses hydrochloric
acid at 40 l/ton of bran for lowering the pH of rice bran
from 6.9-6.0 to 4.0. The acid can be applied easily by
sprinkling or spraying. The operation on small lots can
be done by hand mixing of bran, but it is more efficient
and effective if mechanical mixing, like a rotary or a
trough mixer, is used. This simple method, which takes
less than 4 min for a batch of 15 kg, will be useful for
stabilization of rice bran in rice mills or where steam or
electricity is unavailable. The process is being evaluated
in commercial trials.