WO2023275600A1

WO2023275600A1 - Process for fortifying ready to eat rice grains

Info

Publication number: WO2023275600A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/055953
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manju S. GUNAWARDANA; R. A. C. Haily SENEVIRATNE; Ariyawansa HETTIARACHCHY
Original assignee: Fortigrains Private Limited
Priority date: 2021-07-02
Filing date: 2021-07-02
Publication date: 2023-01-05

Abstract

The present invention provides a process for fortifying ready to eat rice grains. The process includes preparing fortification solution with an organic solvent in a homogenizer (400). The process further includes feeding the homogenized fortification solution in a reactor (500). The fortification solution is prepared by dissolving a fortificant in water-glycerin solution having a mixture of a water and a glycerin in a ratio of 99:1 to 90:10, and mixing the fortificant-water-glycerin solution in the organic solvent, wherein the said fortification solution involves the organic solvent solution and the water in a ratio of 99:1 to 70:30, respectively. The process further involves ab/adsorption of the fortification solution in the grains by operating the reactor (500) at a temperature in a range of 25° C to 50° C and creating a pressure of about 0.6 to 2 bar absolute for a predetermined time to obtain fortified grains.

Description

PROCESS FOR FORTIFYING READY TO EAT RICE GRAINS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to a process for fortifying grains. More specifically, the present invention discloses a novel fortification technique for fortifying ready to eat rice grains such as de-husked and polished rice with various types of fortificants, along with various controlled conditions that help in fortification of food grains in an optimal manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] A number of nutritional deficiencies are reported to be critical amongst many segments of people, especially in developing countries around the globe.

[0003] One such critical condition is micronutrients deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, selenium, folic acid, vitamins, amino acids etc., which has been named as the “hidden hunger”. [0004] The key micronutrients among them are iron, zinc, iodine and vitamin A.

Therefore, the best way of eliminating these deficiencies is to improve the nutritional quality of foods which are frequently consumed. To address this need, food fortification has been practiced for quite some time. Other than micronutrients, functional ingredients from different plant sources can also be used to fortify foods in to address health conditions of people besides hidden hunger. The resultant fortified foods will be a super food or a functional food.

[0005] The process of adding minerals and vitamins, to grains and other foods, to reduce nutritional deficiencies (described above) is termed as Fortification.

[0006] The nutrients regularly used in grain fortification, prevent diseases, strengthen immune systems, improve productivity, cognitive development etc. In practice, a selection of a food for micronutrient fortification is governed by a range of technological and regulatory factors. [0007] Foods including cereals, oils, dairy products, beverages and various condiments such as salt, sauces (e.g., soy sauce) and sugar are particularly well suited to mandatory mass fortification.

[0008] Seeing that rice is consumed by people all around the world, especially in Asian and African Continents, various processes have been developed for fortifying rice.

[0009] Hot extrusion, cold extrusion, coating and dusting are the currently practiced fortification processes for rice, but they have several drawbacks, such as inhomogeneity of fortificant distribution in rice, washing instability of added fortificants, separation of fortified rice kernels after mixing with unfortified grains and low consumer acceptability. Therefore, they are not very popular among people around the world.

[0010] Further, due to washing of rice before cooking and/or straining excess water during cooking or at the time of consumption, the fortification is washed away and is not available as expected. This may reduce the quantity of fortificants per unit weight of rice. This may happen even in our process, although not to the same extent. The retention of the fortificant is much greater in our process. This is one of the key reasons as to why some of the other processes are not deployed in wide scale applications.

[0011] Also, in some processes utilized for fortification of rice, there is the possibility of discoloration which leads to consumer unacceptability. Besides, additional cost has to be spent on binding chemicals, such as waxes and gums, used in conventional fortification processes, which increases cost of the production.

[0012] Although fortifying extruded pellets (rice kernels) is one of the preferred technologies, it has shown to be unstable during storage, have a higher cost and lower consumer acceptability. The most unsatisfactory feature of fortification by this process is the inability to guarantee equal distribution of fortificants amongst natural grains when mixed in ratios such as 1 in 100 or 1 in 200 etc., as the case maybe. Further, it is expensive as it needs extruders, steamers, dryers and introduction of artificially constructed grains to natural grains of which the capital cost and also the running cost of production is high.

[0013] The WIPO publication no. 2018033774 which is by the same inventors discloses a raw grain fortification system and process. The process starts with feeding of raw grains into a fortification reactor and degassing of same. The process is followed by feeding of fortifying solution from fortification tank into homogenizer to produce homogenized fortification solution. Further, the homogenized fortification solution is fed to reactor for treatment with degassed paddy or up to 360 minutes. At last, drying of extracted fortified raw food grains takes place for 6-18 hours.

[0014] However, the homogenized fortification solution contains water as solvent. Therefore, feeding of aqueous solution of the fortificants in fortification reactor, and treatment with de-husked/ready to cook grains result in cracked kernels of grains and as such, this process is not applicable with de husked rice. In addition, only water-soluble materials may be used in the above process.

[0015] Also, the standard par boiling treatment and drying time is quite high, and this process uses a higher temperature which results in the gelatinization of starch, thus changing the characteristics of raw rice to parboiled rice. This means that this process is only capable of producing par boiled rice and not “raw rice”.

[0016] With our process however - due to improved soaking under vacuum and elevated temperature - the time taken will be significantly less than the time taken in the standard parboiling process. This will contribute to increased throughput and improved utilization of equipment.

[0017] Another process for enrichment of grains with a fortificant is disclosed in the U S patent number 2358250.

[0018] The process discloses improvements in a treatment of wheat and kindred cereals prior to flour milling. The process involves extraction of vitamins and minerals from strip husk or germ in warm water to make a nutrient solution. The process is followed by the degassing of the grains under a vacuum condition. Further the grains are soaked in aqueous solution of nutrients in a convenient vessel with or without pressure for the adsorption of nutrients to the endosperm of grains. At last, the drying is done to remove moisture from the grains.

[0019] However, in the above disclosed process, the number of nutrients in the fortified grains is limited. Also, the soaking of grains in aqueous solution of nutrients results in fully cracked rice kernels, which is not a good property to have. Clearly, there is need of using alternate solvents in making fortificant solutions, which circumvent the problems in fortifying using aqueous solutions. [0020] These conventional processes are good for delivery of the fortificant with water into the grains. However, these processes may not deliver the required amount of the water insoluble fortificants via water or aqueous solution.

[0021] Therefore, a process for fortifying grains is required where non-aqueous solvent can be used as a solvent which can eliminate the essential problems, such as crack formation in fortified rice kernels.

[0022] One such process is disclosed in Korean publication no. 101425992. The said application discloses a process making nutrient enriched rice by liquefying a functional material or a nutrient component. The process includes prewashing of rice which will lead to formation of cracks. In that process, preparing a fortificant solution by dispersing nutritional material using a solvent (water and ethanol alone or mixture thereof) is also practiced. The process is followed by spraying of the fortificant solution on rice to be adsorbed uniformly. Further, the fortificant rice is then dried by hot air (20°C to 80°C) for 0.5 to 5 hours.

[0023] However, the technique involves spraying of the nutrient solution on the surface of the rice. Due to above method, nutrients may be lost during the drying process or washing of rice before cooking. Also, the moisture content of the fortified rice may not be maintained up to the considerable level. The problem of cracking of rice may also be seen. Accordingly, the above process has severe limitations.

[0024] Although, the non-aqueous solvent would deliver some fortificants on the outer surface of the grains. However, the adhesion of the fortificants in the outer layer of the grains is dependent on the type of the fortificant and the surface of the grains, after processing.

[0025] Therefore, a process and technique for fortifying rice grains is required which improves a delivery of the fortificants inside the rice grains, and specifically, delivering the fortificants in a required amount inside pores of the rice grains.

[0026] Also, there is a need to develop process which use solvent that by way of preferential adsorption may replace the inherent moisture in the grains which are to be fortified. In such situations, the fortified rice may have to be re-humidified, adjusting the final moisture content. [0027] Further, a process for fortifying rice grains is required which may deliver various types of the fortificants inside the grains. More particularly, there is a need to develop a process which may allow the delivery or adsorption of water-soluble fortificants as well as water-insoluble fortificants in the grains.

[0028] In addition, a process for fortifying rice grains is required which involves fortifying media that can evaporate at low temperatures to ensure the rice grains are not gelatinized. Also, there is a need to develop a system may recover most of the unused solvent from the reactor for further usage in the process. Further, the additional system and process are required which may overcome the other mentioned disadvantages as underlined above.

[0029] In nutshell, there is a need to develop a process for fortifying grains which requires lower temperature, a reduction of waste and lower energy requirement for evaporation which is economically feasible and also ensures the functional benefits of the fortificants for both raw and parboiled rice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Aspects of the invention are thus directed to grain fortification that provides a process for fortifying ready to eat rice grains, de-husked/polished/etc rice grains, such as raw rice and parboiled rice after passing through the milling process. The said process is cost effective and easy to manage as there is no requirement to alter any existing process at rice mills as this is done post milling. Further, this process may be carried out close to the point of use - i.e. In countries where rice is not grown, on receipt of the finished rice in the desired quantities. Also, it may overcome the existing problems by providing high quality fortified ready to eat rice grains.

[0031] In an aspect of the present invention, a process for fortifying ready to eat rice grains is disclosed. The process includes dispensing of the said rice grains from a grain dispensing unit to a fortification reactor.

[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the said rice grains are degassed by creating vacuum pressure at a temperature in a range of 20° C to 80° C inside the said reactor to enhance ethanol movement among rice kernels which facilitates the transfer of fortificants from liquid media to rice kernel. [0033] The process further includes preparing homogenized fortification solution by dissolving the fortificant in an organic solvent solution or a mixture of organic solvent and aqueous solution in a homogenizer. Also, if multiple fortificants are used, the fortification solutions are prepared separately. When required to fortify with multiple fortificants, they will be added sequentially, one fortificant at a time.

[0034] In the embodiment of the present invention, the preparing of the homogenized fortification solution involves dissolving the at least one fortificant including organic solvent insoluble fortificants in water-glycerin solution to obtain fortificant- water-glycerin solution. [0035] In the embodiment of the present invention, the said water-glycerin solution includes a mixture of a water and glycerin in a ratio of 99: 1 to 90: 10, respectively.

[0036] Subsequently, the process involves mixing the said fortificant- water-glycerin solution in the organic solvent solution to obtain the said homogenized fortification solution. [0037] In the embodiment of the present invention, the said homogenized fortification solution includes the organic solvent solution and the said water and glycerin mix in a ratio of 99:1 to 70:30, respectively. The organic solvent solution with different compositions may be used with some amount of water alone or with water and glycerin together, depending on the properties of the fortificant. [0038] In the said embodiment of the present invention, a homogeneity in the said fortification solution is being obtained by adapting plurality of homogenizing techniques. The plurality of homogenizing techniques may include but not limited to sonication, high shear mixing, or the other similar techniques.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, preparing the homogenized solution by the said fortificant including organic soluble fortificants. The preparing process involves dissolving the said fortificant in the organic solvent solution alone or a mixture of the organic solvent and water and glycerin mix in a predefined ratio, the ratio of the organic solvent to water ratio in the solution is maintained at the range of 99: lto 70:30. [0040] Subsequently, the dissolved solution is mixed with a predefined amount of the water, and thereafter, sonicating the said mixed solution to obtain the homogenized fortification solution.

[0041] In above embodiments of the present invention, the said at least one fortificant is selected from a group consisting of phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, or the like.

[0042] In the said embodiment of the present invention, the said phytochemicals are selected from at least one of Glucosinolates, stilbenes/lignans, Capsaicinoids, Carotenoids, Polyphenols, Alkaloids, Glycosides, Flavonoids, Phenolic acids, Saponins, Tannins, Terpenes, Anthraquinones, Essential oils, Steroids, Catechins, Isoflavons, Procyanidins, Tocopherols, Oganosulphides, Anthocyanins, Essential fatty acids, Isoflavones, Lignans, Xanthophylls, Phytosterols, Allum compounds and Betalains.

[0043] Further, in above embodiments of the present invention, the said organic solvent solution is selected from a group consisting of ketone, alcohol, alkyl acetate, alkane, fatty acid ester and/or alkylene chlorides.

[0044] More specifically, the said organic solvent solution is selected from at least one of Acetone, Benzyl Alcohol, Citric Acid Esters of Mono- and Di-glycerides, Ethyl Acetate, Ethanol, Methyl Alcohol, Glycerol, Hexane, Isopropyl alcohol, Methyl Alcohol, Methylene Chloride, Methyl ethyl ketone, Monoglyceride citrate and 1,2-Propylene glycol. However, it should be noted that the operational parameters will have to be altered based on the physical and chemical properties of the solvent used.

[0045] Again, coming back to the process, the process includes feeding the said homogenized fortification solution in the fortification reactor.

[0046] The process further includes absorption/ adsorption of the said homogenized fortification solution in the said rice grains by operating the said reactor at a temperature in a range of 25° C to 50° C and creating a pressure of about 0.6 to 2 bar absolute, facilitating the rate of infusion of fortifying solution for a predetermined time to obtain fortified ready to eat rice grains.

[0047] In the said embodiment of the present invention, the adsorption/absorption of the said homogenized fortification solution in the said rice grains is being controlled by a capillary action and a diffusion process, respectively for the predetermined time period of about 3 to 4 hours.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the process involves in-situ addition of the homogenized fortification solution during the adsorption/absorption of the said homogenized fortification solution in the said rice grains. The said in-situ addition of the homogenized fortification solution depends on a requirement of the said rice grains.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, the process further involves recovering unadsorbed/unabsorbed organic solvent solution from the said fortified rice grains by draining, and the remaining solution is recovered by low pressure evaporation, and subsequent low temperature condensation at low pressure.

[0050] In the said embodiment of the present invention, the said recovering of the unadsorbed/unabsorbed organic solvent solution from the said fortified rice grains comprises drying the said fortified rice grains by creating a pressure of 0 to -1 bar at a temperature in a range of 20° C to 70° C. Low pressure condition is used to facilitate the recovery of ethanol and/or other solvents, at low energy level with minimal damage to grains. The rate of recovery must be controlled depending on the water content of the fortified rice grains.

[0051] This together with the other aspects of the present invention along with the various features of novelty that characterized the present disclosure is pointed out with particularity in claims annexed hereto and forms a part of the present invention. For better understanding of the present disclosure, its operating advantages, and the specified objective attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0053] Fig. 1 illustrates a flow chart depicting an exemplary process for fortifying ready to eat rice grains such as de-husked rice, according to various embodiments of the present invention; [0054] Fig. 1A illustrates a flow chart depicting an exemplary process for preparing homogenized fortification solution by dissolving organic solvent insoluble fortificants in an organic solvent solution, according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0055] Fig. IB illustrates a flow chart depicting an exemplary process for preparing homogenized fortification solution by dissolving organic solvent soluble fortificants, according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0056] Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representing a system for carrying out the process of Fig. 1, according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0057] Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram representing the fortification system as disclosed in Fig. 2, according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0058] Figs. 4A-4D illustrate Scanning Electron microscope (SEM) images of raw rice grains, according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0059] Figs. 5A-5D illustrate Scanning Electron microscope (SEM) images of parboiled rice grains, according to various embodiments of the present invention; [0060] Fig. 6 illustrates Scanning Electron microscope (SEM) image representing microscopic cracks of the parboiled rice grains, according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0061] Fig. 7 illustrates Scanning Electron microscope (SEM) image representing microscopic cracks of the raw rice grains, according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0062] Fig. 8. illustrates a graph representing amount of zinc content in the fortified rice grains and unfortified rice grains, according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0063] Figs. 9A-9C illustrate chromatograms representing the High-performance liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) analysis results of catechin soaking solution (stock solution), fortified and unfortified rice extracts respectively, according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0064] Figs. 10A-10C illustrate chromatograms representing the Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) analysis results of curcumin soaking solution (stock solution), fortified and unfortified rice extracts, according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0065] Fig. 11A illustrates image representing appearance of the fortified rice grains when soaked in iron (Fe) fortificant solution, according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0066] Fig. 1 IB illustrates image representing appearance of the unfortified rice grains, according to various embodiments of the present invention; and

[0067] Fig. 1 lC-1 IF illustrate images representing change in appearance of rice grains during soaking in iron fortificant solution by using the conventional processes over a period of time.

[0068] Like numerals denote like elements throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0069] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subjected to many variations. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a process for fortifying ready to eat rice grains as disclosed. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0070] Unless otherwise specified, the terms, which are used in the specification and claims, have the meanings commonly used in the field of grain fortification process involved therein. Specifically, the following terms have the meanings indicated below.

[0071] The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.

[0072] The terms “having”, “comprising”, “including”, and variations thereof signify the presence of a component.

[0073] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary process (50) for fortifying ready to eat rice grains. The term “ready to eat rice grains” herein refer to de-husked rice grains, and specifically, the de-husked rice grains which are ready to eat after cooking. The term “ready to eat rice grains” may also be termed as “ready to cook rice grains”. [0074] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said process may also be used for fortifying other grains such as paddy, wheat, rye, legumes, maize, rice, oats, commeal, barley etc. or other cereal grains (husked or de-husked).

[0075] The process (50) for fortifying ready to eat rice grains starts with step (10). The process (50), at the step (10), involves dispensing of the ready to eat rice grains (de-husked rice grains) in a predetermined quantity from a grain dispensing unit (200) via a valve (200a) into a fortification reactor (500) (refer Figs. 1-3).

[0076] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said rice grains are pre cleaned using conventional cleaning methods prior to dispensing in the said fortification reactor (500).

[0077] In one embodiment of the present invention, the moisture level of the fortified product should be similar to that of feed.

[0078] In various embodiments, if the moisture level is above this said value, the rice grains may be dried by conventional engineering methods, such as blow drying etc. Specifically, the said rice grains are degassed inside the said reactor (500) to decrease moisture from the said rice grains.

[0079] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said rice grains are degassed by operating the said reactor (500) at a vacuum pressure and at a temperature in a range of 20° C to 80° C.

[0080] The said vacuum pressure in the said reactor (500) is being created by a vacuum pump (80) shown in a system (1000) used for carrying out the said process (50) (refer Fig. 2).

[0081] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said ready to eat rice grains are raw rice grains. The “raw rice grains” herein refer to de-husked rice grain, not par boiled. Scanning Electron microscope (SEM) images of the raw rice grains are shown in Figs. 4A-4D, for reference.

[0082] In various embodiments of the present invention, the said rice grains or any other cereal grains consist of an endosperm in a large volume. [0083] It will be known to persons skilled in the art that the endosperm is of two types, one is a floury endosperm, which consists of loosely packed starch granules with narrow gaps (capillary) or pores in between (refer Fig. 4C), and other is a glassy or a vitreous endosperm, which is more compact, and organized (refer Fig. 4D).

[0084] In another embodiment of the present invention, the said rice grains are parboiled rice grains. The “parboiled rice grains” herein refer to rice grains which are partially cooked or pre-cooked, dried and milled.

[0085] Scanning Electron microscope (SEM) images of the parboiled rice grains are shown in Figs. 5A-5D, for reference.

[0086] In the said embodiment of the present invention, Figs. 5A & 5C represent SEM images of floury endosperm and glassy endosperm of the parboiled rice grains.

[0087] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the narrow gaps (capillaries) in between of the floury endosperm have been disappeared due to gelatinization of the parboiled rice grains during the parboiling or precooking of the raw rice grains (refer Fig. 5C).

[0088] However, due to other processing conditions such as degassing, most of parboiled rice grains develop microscopic cracks which can also be called as pores in the said grains as shown in the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image of the said parboiled grains (refer Fig. 6).

[0089] Referring to Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image of the raw rice grains, the said raw rice grains already consist of microscopic cracks in the said grains (refer Fig.

7).

[0090] In various embodiments of the present invention, the fortificants need to be delivered inside the pores or gaps (capillary) of the endosperm of the said rice grains to obtain better quality of the fortification in the said rice grains.

[0091] Generally, in conventional processes, the fortificants are delivered inside the grains through a solution of water with a fortificant. However, these processes may not deliver the required amount of fortificant in whole part of the grains. Furthermore, water is not suitable as a fortifying media, due to large cracks of the grain (as opposed to microscopic cracks observed in our process as explained previously) causing disintegration of grains.

[0092] Although, there are some techniques which develop a medium to achieve improvement in fortification of the grains. However, these techniques deliver the fortificant on an outer surface of the grains, and specifically, an adhesion of the fortificant in the outer surface of the grains is dependent on the type of the fortificant and the surface of the grains.

[0093] Therefore, to deliver the required amount of fortificant inside the pores of the grains so as to hold the fortificants firmly, and specifically in the whole part of the grains, a unique homogenized fortification solution is prepared in the present invention. [0094] In the embodiment of the present invention, referring to Fig. 1. the process (50), at step (12) involves preparing the homogenized fortification solution by dissolving at least one fortificant with an organic solvent solution in a homogenizer (400) (refer Figs. 2 &3).

[0095] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said fortificant including the fortifcant which is insoluble in the organic solvent solution and soluble in water. [0096] In the said embodiment of the present invention, the preparing of the homogenized fortification solution from the said solvent insoluble fortificant, involves sub-steps (12a) and (12b) (refer Fig. 1A).

[0097] The process (50), at sub-step (12a) involves dissolving the said fortificant in water-glycerin solution to obtain a fortificant -water-glycerin solution. The said water- glycerin solution includes a mixture of a water and a glycerin in a ratio of 99: 1 to 90:10, respectively (refer Fig. 1A).

[0098] In the said embodiment of the present invention, glycerin is added to facilitate the dispersion of fortificants in the organic solvent.

[0099] Further, the process (50), at step (12b) involves mixing the said fortificant -water- glycerin solution in the said organic solvent solution to obtain the said homogenized fortification solution.

[00100] The said homogenized fortification solution includes organic solvent solution and water in a ratio of 99: 1 to 70:30, respectively (refer Fig. 1A). [00101] In various embodiments, the ratio would be determined depending on the fortificant /fortificants to be delivered.

[00102] In above embodiments of the present invention, the fortificants have different polarities and their solubility changes in the organic solvent. Therefore, to enable the solubility of the fortificants in the said solvent solution, the organic solvent solution with different compositions may be used with some amount of water alone or with water and glycerin together, depending on the properties of the fortificant.

[00103] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the organic solvent solution used here in the present invention is alcohol or ethanol. [00104] In another embodiment of the present invention, the organic solvent solution may be selected from at least one of a group consisting of ketone, alkyl acetate, alkane, fatty acid ester and/or alkylene chlorides.

[00105] More specifically, the said organic solvent solution is selected from a list of solvents shown in table- 1 below:

Table- 1

[00106] In an aspect of the present invention, the said organic solvent is stored in a plurality of solvent storage tanks (300) (shown in Figs. 2 & 3) as represented by Si, S2.

Sn.

[00107] Further, the said tanks (300) are provided with a plurality of valves (300a), (300b), ... (300n) for controlling a flow of solvent in required quantity from the said solvent storage tanks (300) into the said homogenizer (400) (refer Figs. 2 & 3).

[00108] Furthermore, referring to the sub-step (12b) of the process (50), a homogeneity in the said homogenized fortification solution is being obtained by adapting plurality of homogenizing techniques. [00109] The plurality of homogenizing techniques may include but not limited to sonication, high shear mixing, or the other similar techniques. Specifically, sonication technique is used in the present invention to increase the energy of the particles thus facilitating the ab/adsorption of the fortificants into the said grains. [00110] Coming back to the step (12) of the process (50), in another embodiment of the present invention, the said at least one fortificant including fortificants which are soluble in the said organic solvent solution but insoluble in the water.

[00111] In the said embodiment of the present invention, preparing of the homogenized solution by the said organic solvent soluble fortificant, involves dissolving the said fortificant in the said organic solvent solution alone or a mixture of the organic solvent and water in a predefined ratio (at step 12ii), the ratio of the organic solvent to water ratio in the solution is maintained at the range of 100:00 to 70:30. (refer Fig. IB).

[00112] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that since the alcohol is amphipathic (contains polar and nonpolar ends), it may mix with water easily (which is polar).

[00113] Accordingly, a mixture of alcohol and water may dissolve the said water insoluble fortificant. However, the quantity of compounds that may dissolve depends on whether there is more water or alcohol to the mixture.

[00114] Therefore, this ratio must be controlled on the data generated with the particular fortificant to be used.

[00115] Accordingly, the dissolved solution is mixed with a predefined volume of the water, and thereafter sonicating the said mixed solution to obtain the homogenized fortification solution.

[00116] The “predefined volume of water” herein refers to a volume of water required to carry a total quantity of the fortificant based on the amount of the rice grains need to be fortified.

[00117] In above embodiments of the present invention, the said at least one fortificant is selected from a group consisting of phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, or the like. [00118] In the said embodiment of the present invention, the said group of phytochemicals consists of list of fortificants shown in table-2 below:

Table-2

[00119] In the aspect of the present invention, the said at least one fortificant are provided into the said homogenizer (400) from a plurality of fortificant tanks (100) as represented by Fi, F2, . F_n of the fortification system (1000) (refer Figs. 2 & 3). More specifically, a plurality of valves (100a), (100b), .... (100h) are connected to the respective fortification tanks (100) for providing a definite quantity of the said at least one fortificant in the said homogenizer (400) for preparing the fortification solution. [00120] Again, referring to Fig. 1, the process (50), at step (14) involves feeding the said homogenized fortification solution in a predetermined quantity from the said homogenizer (400) into the said fortification reactor (500).

[00121] In the embodiment of the present invention, prior to feeding of the fortificant solution to the reactor (500), the solvent: fortificant mixture is sonicated in order to facilitate mixing and dispersing the fortificants uniformly in the said solution.

[00122] Accordingly, the process (50) as shown in Fig. 1, at step (16) involves absorption/adsorption of the said homogenized fortification solution inside the endosperm of the said rice grains by operating the said fortification reactor (500) under predefined controlled ab/adsorption conditions to allow adsorption/ absorption of the fortificant inside the pores of the said grains to produce fortified grains.

[00123] More specifically, the fortification reactor (500) operates at a temperature in a range of 25° C to 50° C by creating a pressure of 0.6 to 2 bar absolute for a predetermined time period within the range of 1 to 4 hours, for carrying out the adsorption/absorption of the said rice grains to obtain fortified ready to eat rice grains at step (16) (refer Fig. 1).

[00124] Therefore, the rice grains absorb/adsorb the water along with the dissolved alcohol and the fortificant, in addition to what is coated on the grains. More specifically, the alcohol with the fortificant replaces the inherent moisture in the grain due to preferential adsorption and/or equilibration of concentrations. The said fortification solution is adsorbed inside pores of the said grains.

[00125] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fortification solution when comes in contact with rice, the water along with the dissolved fortificant is absorbed/adsorbed by the rice grains. During this the water is separated from alcohol, as the adsorption process breaks the alcohol-water azeotrope and remove final amount of water.

[00126] In the embodiment of the present invention, the absorption/ adsorption of the said homogenized fortification solution inside the pores of the endosperm in the said grains is being controlled by a capillary action and a diffusion process, respectively.

[00127] More specifically, initial uptake of the homogenized fortification solution in the said rice grains is predominantly controlled by the capillary process due to presence of capillaries in the outer layer. Thereafter, the adsorption/absorption is controlled by the diffusion, by the partial pressure difference between the outside and inside.

[00128] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the term “capillary action” herein refers to the ability of the homogenized fortification solution to flow in narrow gaps (capillary) or pores in the endosperm of the rice grains without the assistance of, or even in opposition to, external forces like gravity.

[00129] In one embodiment of the present invention, the process (50) involves an in-situ addition of the homogenized fortification solution during the adsorption/absorption of the said homogenized fortification solution in the said rice grains. The said in-situ addition of the homogenized fortification solution depends on a requirement of the said rice grains. [00130] In the said embodiment of the present invention, the said in-situ addition of the homogenized fortification solution is adapted to ensure the ab/adsorption of required quantity of fortificant inside pores of the rice grains. The fortificant solution is added to rice grains, until the said grains obtain the required fortificant concentration in them.

[00131] In one embodiment of the present invention, after fortification of the said rice grains, unadsorbed/unabsorbed organic solvent solution is recovered from the fortified rice grains.

[00132] In the said embodiment of the present invention, the said unadsorbed/unabsorbed organic solvent solution i.e. (alcohol or ethanol) being recovered at step 18. The said solvent is recovered by draining the remaining solvent component. Subsequently, the remaining solvent is recovered by evaporative drying, which is followed by low temperature condensation of vapor.

[00133] In the embodiment of the present invention, the said recovery of the unadsorbed solvent is performed at a pressure range of 0 to -1 bar a temperature range of 20° C to 70° C. More preferably, temperature and pressure settings are controlled to prevent vigorous evaporation (avoiding boiling).

[00134] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said drying is facilitated by the said air flow circulation mechanism (610).

[00135] In the embodiment of the present invention, the drying of the said fortified rice grains results in an evaporation of the solvent solution. Accordingly, the evaporated solvent solution is condensed in a condensing unit (600) and cooled by a low temperature water circulation (620).

[00136] In one embodiment of the present invention, air is circulated back to the fortification reactor (500) through the condensing unit (600). The circulation of the said air through the said reactor (500) may be continued until nearly all of the unadsorbed/unabsorbed solvent solution is recovered- except for the amount retained in the circulating air as saturated vapour at the operating conditions. This whole operation is conducted at low temperature and pressure to prevent possible undue damage to the rice grains and to recover the optimum amount of solvent without any residue in the grains. [00137] In one embodiment of the present invention, the excess water is also recovered while drying the said fortified rice grains.

[00138] In the said embodiment of the present invention, a flow rate of air is controlled to achieve the desired temperature and pressure within the system using feedback signals from sensors (not shown) present within the fortification reactor to measure temperature and pressure (500).

[00139] In various embodiments, the temperature and pressure within a reactor (500) may be changed several times during a cycle to recover most of the solvent (alcohol). The recovered alcohol is sent back to the solvent storage tanks (300) for further use in the process (50) (refer Figs. 2 & 3).

[00140] In an exemplary implementation of the present invention, the temperature sensors installed within the fortification reactor (500) ensures that the air flow through fortified grains may be maintained at optimal conditions by heating or, cooling and/or humidifying, depending on the required process settings.

[00141] During the said recovery of the unabsorbed/ unadsorbed solvent solution, any moisture that is lost from the said rice grains is reintroduced to the grain by maintaining the desired relative humidity within the chamber. The said rice grains will be rehydrated to the starting level (i.e., 13% to 15 %) to retain the quality of the fortified grains. For this purpose, the temperature and pressure setting may have to be changed several times inside the said reactor and operated (500).

[00142] In one embodiment of the present invention, after the fortification of the said rice grains, the fortified rice grains are dispensed in a fortified grain unit (700), thus giving the end product i.e., the fortified ready to eat rice grains (refer Fig. 2 & 3).

[00143] The various embodiments of the present invention are explained with reference to the examples as discussed below:

Example 1:

[00144] In first example of the present invention, the fortificant is selected from a group of minerals. More specifically, zinc is taken as a mineral, as it is already known in public domain that the zinc is soluble in the water and insoluble in organic solvents such as alcohol or ethanol. [00145] Therefore, to allow the adsorption of the zinc in the rice grains via the organic solvent solution, zinc is first allowed to dissolve in water-glycerin solution. After that, the mixture of the zinc and water-glycerin is mixed with the ethanol, and subsequently, the fortification solution is sonicated to obtain homogenized zinc fortificant solution. Thereafter, the said homogenized zinc fortificant solution is adsorbed by the de-husked rice (ready to cook rice).

[00146] In the said embodiment of the present invention, zinc content in the samples of fortified rice, unfortified rice, and the homogenized fortificant solution are analyzed according to AOAC.2011.14:2012, which is shown in table below:

Table-3

[00147] Further, referring to Fig. 8, a graph illustrates that Zn content in the fortified and unfortified rice are 27.69 and 9.02 mg/kg, respectively. Therefore, an elevated amount of Zinc content in fortified rice proves that rice grains are successfully fortified with the above disclosed process of the present invention.

Example 2:

[00148] In second example of the present invention, Catechin is selected for fortification of the ready to eat rice.

[00149] In the said embodiment of the present invention, Catechin fortification solution was prepared by dissolving tea catechins in pre-determined volume of the solvent (ethanol). Further, the said solution is by the rice grains to obtain the fortified rice grains.

[00150] Thereafter, catechin was extracted from fortified rice into ethanol. Thereafter, the samples of catechin soaking solution (stock solution), fortified and unfortified rice extracts are analyzed for curcumin by High performance liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) method (refer Fig. 9A-9C) [00151] In the embodiment of the present invention, the chromatograms of catechin soaking solution and catechin fortified rice extract as obtained by the said HPLC method respectively are shown in Figs. 9A & 9B respectively.

[00152] In the chromatograms, two distinct peaks have been appeared in each stock solution and catechin fortified rice extract at about 25.3/25.6 and 26.8 respectively. These peaks are responsible for namely EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) and ECG (epicatechin gallate) respectively, which are two major catechins types in green tea. This imply that catechins are present in stock solution as well as in fortified rice.

[00153] However, these peaks have not been appeared in chromatogram of unfortified rice implying that catechins are not inherently present in rice (refer Fig. 9C)

Example-3:

[00154] In third example according to various embodiments of the present invention, curcumin is selected for fortification of the said rice grains. Curcumin is water insoluble fortificant but readily dissolve in the organic solution like ethanol. [00155] In the said embodiment of the present invention, the fortification solution being prepared by dissolving pre -determined quantity of curcumin in a pre-determined volume of the solvent (ethanol).

[00156] Thereafter, curcumin was extracted from fortified rice into ethanol, and then solvent was evaporated, and thereafter remaining residue (Curcumin) was dissolved in carbinol.

[00157] In the said embodiment of the present invention, the samples of curcumin soaking solution (stock solution), fortified and unfortified rice extracts are analyzed for curcumin by Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) method (refer Figs. 10A-10C) [00158] Referring to Fig. 10A, a chromatogram of the Curcumin Soaking solution is shown which is obtained by LCMS method. The said chromatogram shows a significant peak at the retention time of 3.54, which represents a high amount of curcumin in the said solution. [00159] Further, referring to Fig. 10B, the same peak has been appeared in a chromatogram of curcumin fortified rice extract, which represents a high amount of curcumin in the said curcumin fortified rice extract.

[00160] Now referring to Fig. IOC, the significant peak has not been appeared in a chromatogram of unfortified rice, implying that curcumin is not inherently present in the rice grains, but with the disclosed process of the present invention, curcumin may be successfully impregnated into rice kernels of the said rice grains.

Example- 4:

[00161] In fourth example of the present invention, iron is selected for the fortification in the said rice grains. The image of the unfortified rice grains is shown in Fig.1 IB.

[00162] In the said embodiment of the present invention, Iron (Fe) fortificant solution is prepared by the process as disclosed in the present invention. Subsequently, the rice grains were soaked in the said soaking Fe solution. After that, the Fe-fortified rice grains are analyzed, and the appearance of Fe fortified rice grains shows that no cracks are formed in said rice grains (refer Fig. 11A).

[00163] However, referring to Fig. 1 IF, image of the fortified rice grains. The image represents cracks formation in the rice grains when soaked in the Fe solution using the convention processes.

[00164] More specifically, referring to Figs. 11 C- 11E, image of the fortified rice grains when soaked in the Fe solution by using conventional processes. The images represent change in appearance of rice grains during soaking in Fe solution over a period of time (after 2 mins, 4 mins and 6 mins respectively).

[00165] These show that the rice grains are cracked gradually during the soaking period as an exemplary embodiment, the grain fortification process is disclosed with respect to raw rice and parboiled rice as the ready to eat rice grains. While the existing processes achieve their objective of fortification, what is imperative is that fact that the rice grain loses valuable material/desired physical properties due to dissolution or breakdown of particles. On the other hand, the treatment of rice in the present invention would result in a fortified grain without harming the kernel of the grain (i.e., de-husked rice). [00166] Therefore, the process of the present invention is feasible, sustainable, effective and efficient as compared to existing processes such as dusting, and coating processes used for fortifying rice.

[00167] Further, the present invention is more practical since washing is a common preliminary practice in rice cooking and high portion of fortificant are washed away with dusted and coated fortified rice products. Moreover, the present invention may guarantee equal distribution of fortificant amongst natural grains when mixed in different ratios (grain to grain consistency).

[00168] Furthermore, the process of the present invention may not lead to cause fragmentation in the said grains either at excessive moisture is picked up or when moisture is picked up at high rate.

[00169] Additionally, the present invention produces fortified grains without any issues of aesthetically poor decolouration, except the cases where the grains assume pleasing colours introduced by the natural colour of the fortificants. In contrast, a well- known technology like extrusion wherein the fortificants are not washed away, is also the most expensive method in grain fortification. The fortified grains used may be used for preparation of instant rice.

[00170] Further, the present invention provides the highest recovery of the unadsorbed/absorbed solvent/fortificant when compared to the existing conventional processes. The process, in addition, ensures that a moisture in the fortified grains (de- husked rice) maintained at the desired levels. Therefore, the quality of the fortified grains remains the same as the quality of grains fed at starting.

[00171] Furthermore, in the present invention the fortificant/ nutrients are infused into the grain endosperm, and specifically inside the pores by process of the present invention, thereby washing/ abrasion losses are very low, which is a major problem with existing technologies involving dusted and coated grains.

[00172] Also, the process of the present invention may improve a delivery of the fortificants inside the rice grains, and specifically, deliver the fortificants in a required amount inside pores of the rice grains. [00173] In addition, the process for fortifying rice grains as disclosed in the present invention may lead to deliver various types of the fortificants inside the grains. More particularly, in the present invention, delivery of water-soluble compounds as well as water-insoluble compounds of the fortificant or the mixture of both in the grains may achieve without any adverse side effect.

[00174] Apart, from above mentioned advantages, the present invention does not involve an alien layer around kernel like that is in existing fortification processes such as dusting and coating.

[00175] In nutshell, the process for fortifying ready to eat rice grains of the present invention may provide an easy to operate and a cost-effective process.

[00176] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. [00177] Further, the embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A process (50) for fortifying ready to eat rice grains, the process comprising: preparing homogenized fortification solution by dissolving at least one fortificant in an organic solvent solution in a homogenizer (400); feeding the said homogenized fortification solution in a fortification reactor (500) from the said homogenizer (400); and absorbing/ adsorbing the said homogenized fortification solution on the said rice grains by operating the said reactor (500) at a temperature in a range of 25° C to 50° C and a pressure of about 0.6 to 2 bar absolute for a predetermined time to obtain fortified ready to eat rice grains, wherein, preparing of the homogenized fortification solution comprises, dissolving the at least one fortificant comprising organic solvent insoluble fortificant in water-glycerin solution to obtain a fortificant-water-glycerin solution, wherein the said water-glycerin solution comprises a mixture of a water and a glycerin in a ratio of 99: 1 to 90: 10, respectively, and mixing the said fortificant-water-glycerin solution in an organic solvent solution to obtain the said homogenized fortification solution, wherein the said homogenized fortification solution comprises the organic solvent solution and the said water in a ratio of 99: 1 to 70:30, respectively.

2. The process (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said ready to eat rice comprises at least one from raw rice grains and parboiled rice grains.

3. The process (50) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the said at least one of the said raw rice grains and the parboiled rice grains are de-husked rice grains.

4. The process (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adsorption/absorption of the said homogenized fortification solution in the said rice grains is being controlled by a capillary action and a diffusion process, respectively, for a predetermined time of about 3 to 4 hours.

5. The process (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein preparing of the said homogenized fortification solution comprises homogenizing via plurality of homogenizing techniques to ensure homogeneity in the said homogenized fortification solution in the said homogenizer (400).

6. The process (50) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the plurality of homogenizing techniques comprises sonication, high shear mixing, or the other similar techniques to ensure the homogeneity in the said homogenized fortification solution.

7. The process (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said at least one fortificant comprising organic solvent soluble fortificants.

8. The process (50) as claimed in claim 7 comprising preparing the homogenized fortification solution from the said organic solvent soluble fortificant, wherein the preparing of the homogenized fortification solution comprises, dissolving the said fortificant in the said organic solvent solution alone or a mixture of the organic solvent and water in a predefined ratio, the ratio of the organic solvent to water ratio in the solution is maintained at the range of 100:00 to 70:30, and sonicating the said mixed solution in the said homogenizer (400) to obtain the said homogenized fortification solution.

9. The process (50) as claimed in claims 1 to 8, wherein the said at least one fortificant is selected from a group consisting of phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, or the like.

10. The process (50) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the said phytochemicals are selected from at least one of Glucosinolates, stilbenes/lignans, Capsaicinoids, Carotenoids, Polyphenols, Alkaloids, Glycosides, Flavonoids, Phenolic acids, Saponins, Tannins, Terpenes, Anthraquinones, Essential oils, Steroids, Catechins, Isoflavons, Procyanidins, Tocopherols, Oganosulphides, Anthocyanins, Essential fatty acids, Isoflavones, Lignans, Xanthophylls, Phytosterols, Allum compounds and Betalains.

11. The process (50) as claimed in claims 1 to 8, wherein the said organic solvent solution is selected from a group consisting of ketone, alcohol, alkyl acetate, alkane, fatty acid ester and/or alkylene chlorides.

12. The process (50) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the said organic solvent solution is selected from at least one of Acetone, Benzyl Alcohol, Citric Acid Esters of Mono- and Di-glycerides, Ethyl Acetate, Ethanol, Methyl Alcohol, Glycerol, Hexane, Isopropyl alcohol, Methyl Alcohol, Methylene Chloride, Methyl ethyl ketone, Monoglyceride citrate and 1,2-Propylene glycol.

13. The process (50) as claimed in claim 1 comprising dispensing the said ready to eat rice grains from a grain dispensing unit (200) into the said fortification reactor (500).

14. The process (50) as claimed in claim 13 comprising degassing of the said rice grains by creating vacuum pressure at a temperature in a range of 20° C to 80° C inside the said reactor (500).

15. The process (50) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the said degassing of the said rice grains is carried out at atmospheric pressure.

16. The process (50) as claimed in claim 1 comprising in-situ addition of the homogenized fortification solution during the adsorption/absorption of the said homogenized fortification solution in the said rice grains, wherein the said in-situ addition of the homogenized fortification solution depends on a requirement of the said rice grains.

17. The process (50) as claimed in claim 1 comprising recovering unadsorbed/unabsorbed organic solvent solution from the said fortified rice grains.

18. The process (50) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the said recovering of the unadsorbed/unabsorbed organic solvent solution from the said fortified rice grains comprises drying the said fortified rice grains by creating a pressure of 0 to -1 bar at a temperature in a range of 20° C to 70° C.