Rice congee as an alternative to thickened liquids for patients with swallowing disorders

Seeing the popularity of rice congee consumption among Asian families, the present study examined the possibility of preparing thickened liquids from rice congee of different consistency levels that are commonly prescribed for individuals with swallowing disorders. The two most common rice varieties in Hong Kong, indica and japonica rice grains, were used to prepare rice congee from which thickened liquids were extracted. By varying the water-to-rice ratio, cooking time, optional reheating on a frying pan, and temperature, slightly thick, mildly thick, moderately thick, and extremely thick liquids were obtained. Recipes for extracting thickened liquids of different consistencies from rice congee cooked with indica and japonica rice grains were established. The consistency levels were defined with reference to although not strictly following the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative framework. Results revealed that the consistency of the product varied with water-to-rice ratio, cooking time, and temperature. Recipes were established for preparing thickened liquids using rice grains at both serving and room temperatures. Findings support that thickened liquids so obtained can be used as an alternative to thickened liquids preparing using commercial thickeners.