Abstract
BPT Rice 2841 is a black rice variety developed through a three-way cross involving MTU 7029 (Swarna), IRGC 18,195 and MTU 1081. BPT Rice 2841 is a high-yielding, non-lodging, semi-dwarf black rice variety suitable for the Kharif season in the Krishna Zone of Andhra Pradesh, Unlike other glutinous black rice varieties, BPT Rice 2841 has an intermediate amylose content of 23.4% and an alkali spreading value of 4.5, ensuring its grains cook to a soft and flaky consistency, suitable for raw rice and can be included in daily diet consumption. Its black pericarp endows it with potent antioxidant activity (110.5 mgAAE/100 g) and a flavonoid content of 582.6 mgQE/100 g, contributing to neutralizing free radicals and bolstering human immunity. Furthermore, it registered a 36.75% slowly digestible starch content and a glycemic index of 62.5, categorized as medium GI. Notably, the unpolished BPT 2841 rice contains 24.3 ppm of zinc, 15.6 ppm of iron, and 11.2% protein, making it nutritionally superior to white rice and aiding in addressing malnutrition concerns. The textural properties of BPT 2841, characterized by lower stickiness, springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and hardness, make it highly suitable for raw rice with consumer acceptance.