Taiwan Today

Researchers at the Taiwan-based Asia University have developed a new variety of rice called “AU No. 1 purple rice” that is rich in antioxidants known as anthocyanins and able to keep one’s skin looking white and beautiful. The rice variety was developed by Fan Chung-chen, chairperson of the university’s Department of Biotechnology, and Yu Su-may, a distinguished research fellow in Academia Sinica’s Institute of Molecular Biology. The pair used tissue culture to generate a mutation in a paddy rice plant and then bred the new variety in a greenhouse on a trial basis. In July of this year, Fan and some of his students planted the rice in a rented field next to the university along with “Tainung No. 67” rice. Fan said the “AU No. 1 purple rice” looks darker and redder than other types of purple rice. The grain is also sturdier and able to withstand strong winds and other tough environmental conditions. As a result, its yield per hectare was able to reach around 8,000 kilograms, roughly 30 percent higher than that of regular rice varieties. Fan said that “AU No. 1 purple rice” has an abundance of anthocyanins that can help retard the aging process. He added that the hard outer layer of the grain, known as bran, is 40 times more effective than vitamin C in preventing skin from becoming dark. Noting that the new variety has a tasty flavor, Fan said that it should be handed over to the university’s Innovation Incubation Center for cooperation in seeking out interested producers for transfer of the technology. (SB)