Effect of dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma treatments on flavor fingerprints of brown rice

A non-thermal processing method was developed to promote preservation of brown rice using dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma (DBD-CP). Physicochemical properties including free fatty acid (FFA) content, surface color change, volatile organic components (VOCs) and flavor fingerprints were evaluated in brown rice submitted to DBD-CP. FFA levels were 25.2% lower in treated samples compared to the control, and a more stable surface color was obtained at the end of the storage period. A total of 35 major VOCs could be detected in treated samples, and reduced levels of hexanal can be used as an indicator of DBD-CP treatment in brown rice during storage. Moreover, the flavor fingerprints in DBD-CP treated groups can be successfully distinguished through headspace gas chromatography ion mobility spectrometry. Collectively, application of DBD-CP treatment could be utilized as a feasible approach to promote stabilization of brown rice and preserve flavor during storage.