Kernels from 11 representative high quality early indica rice varieties cultivars in south china were analysed for protein contents and amino acid compositions prior and after storage under atmospheric temperature. The protein nutrient qualities of 11 indica rice varieties were evaluated by comparing with FAO/WHO and egg protein mode, and calculating the chemical scores of 8 essential amino acids. The results showed that protein content and amino acid composition and content were relatively stable, showing basically no change with the duration of storage. Protein content averaged at 10.23%, ranging from 8.80% to 13.10% with a variance coefficient 10.80%. Difference among cultivars was great. Contents of the 8 essential amino acids were significantly different among cultivars, Alternation ranges and variance coefficients of the absolute contents of the 8 essential amino acids were greater than those of their relative contents. The quality of protein also displayed significant difference among cultivars. There was a tendency that total essential amino acid content decreased with the increase of protein content. Attention should be paid on increasing the rates and contents of the essential amino acids in the proteins of rice kernels through genetic breeding.