Khao Mao Goes Instant



Asst. Prof. Dr. Winai Jaikan (left) with Asst. Prof. Dr. Wichian Voraputhporn at the press conference 

Health conscious people are increasing in number and the trend for health food is mushrooming.  Modern chaotic lifestyles cause people to unconsciously ignore breakfast, which is the most significant meal to start daily activities.  Cereal and instant food are becoming the desired choices to fulfill people’s rush-hour appetites.  Khao Mao (pounded unripe rice) is being promoted as an instant meal product. 

A press conference was held to introduce the project on 26 May 2009, at Meeting Room 1 of the President’s Office, Khon Kaen University.  The press conference was presided over by Asst. Prof. Dr. Winai Jaikan, Vice President for Community Affiars. At the press conference Asst. Prof. Dr. Wichian Voraputhporn, a lecturer in Food Technology from the Faculty of Technology, presented instant Khao Mao to the gathered journalists. 

Asst. Prof. Dr. Wichian said that Khao Mao has a special aroma and is green in colour.  It has the same benefits as brown rice because it has not been milled.  Asst. Prof. Dr. Wichian’s research was funded by the National Science and Technology Development Agency in 1999.  In his research he managed to successfully maintain the nutrition levels of rice, as well as its aroma, and the end product can be kept for longer than normal rice.      

His research was conducted at two sites.  One was Baan Nam-om, in the Nam-om part of Kasetwisai district of Roi-et province.  The other was Baan Phosri in Piboonmangsaharn district of Ubon Ratchathani province.  These locations are the two main sources of quality and nutritious rice needed for Khao Mao. His creation, which is in the form of a cereal, can be kept for eight months and is best eaten with milk.  Instant Khao Mao is a competitive product when compared with imported cereal.  This is because growing the required crop in the surrounding northeast area of Thailand significantly lowers production and transportation costs.  It can also be processed as cereal all year round.  This further makes Khao Mao a valuable product for export to international markets. 

Instant Khao Mao cereal gives high benefits as it contains vitamin B, iron and phosphorus.  It can improve mental well-being, alertness and concentration, and provides a controlled body glucose level that will stimulate good brain functionality.   

Asst. Prof. Dr. Wichian stated that he is requesting that Khao Mao be registered with the Food and Drug Administration, before being promoted as part of the OTOP scheme.  KKU will also encourage local producers to make Khao Mao cereal to earn their living.  Asst. Prof. Dr. Wichian is confident that instant Khao Mao will be well accepted as a new choice of breakfast food in international markets.