Path coefficient analysis unraveled nutrient factors directly impacted the textural characteristics of cooked whole-grain purple rice.

Introduction: Whole-grain pigmented rice (WCP) provides many nutritional benefits compared to non-pigmented varieties. The textural quality of cooked whole-grain rice, particularly its hardness, is crucial for consumers' preferences. Materials and Methods: We investigated the impact of multiple-grain nutrient components on textural attributes through Pearson Correlation and Path Coefficient Analyses (PCA). Results and Discussion: From correlation analysis, we found that the dietary fibre index (DFI), soluble and insoluble fibre (SDF and IDF), and amylose/amylopectin contents (AC/AP) influenced hardness (HRD) significantly. Nonetheless, the binary correlation failed to detect the impact of protein on hardness; instead, it strongly affected adhesiveness (ADH). The PCA revealed protein, AC/AP, and DFI significantly impacted HRD and ADH. Furthermore, DFI antagonised protein and AC/AP to define HRD, while AC/AP and DFI opposed the direct effects of protein on ADH. DFI's effects on HRD were more appealing among low AC than high or waxy rice groups. Instead, the effect of protein was more appealing among waxy rice varieties. Based on PCA, rice breeders can now rely on three nutrient factors, protein, DFI, and AC/AP, to redesign whole-grain pigmented rice to achieve consumer acceptance and well-being.