Indica-japonica hybrid rice cultivars with heavy panicles have higher yields but lower taste quality compared to those with medium panicles. The study compared different panicle types and found that medium panicle cultivars had better cooking and eating quality. These cultivars also had more large starch granules and higher crystallinity. Protein content affected taste quality, with lower protein content leading to better taste. The ideal panicle type for high-quality hybrid rice breeding is medium panicle with high grain weight.