Rice is a versatile dish in many cultures. Whether rice is the star of the show or a succulent side, rice is a popular ingredient in most kitchens. With so many options, people end up buying a lot of rice, and it can be frustrating if one has to waste some of it.
If not stored with caution, rice can fall victim to a few different ailments that render it useless. Avoid all those problems by reading on to see how to best store rice so you can savor every last grain!
While rice technically has a ‘best by date’ rather than an expiration date, there are still some situations that will make it more desirable than others. These are some of the more common types of rice and how you can store them correctly in a few different situations.
For cooked rice to last, it is essential to put it into a food-safe container and store it in the fridge. Cooked rice can last anywhere from four to six days when stored in the refrigerator. In the event of too many leftovers, you can freeze cooked rice long term for up to 8 months.how
If you are going to freeze cooked rice, be sure to store in an airtight container (like a mason jar or a vacuum sealed storage container) to minimize the amount of air that can interact with the rice as this can cause freezer burn.
Note that if you plan on eating the leftovers in the near term, the remaining cooked rice should be moved to the fridge as soon as possible. Any delay in putting it away can increase the likelihood of unusual tastes and a decrease in longevity.
Harmful bacteria can grow on food and could present a health risk over time. Refrigeration helps to slow the bacteria growth, but it doesn’t completely stop bacteria from multiplying. Be sure to consume the cooked rice within a couple of days after refrigeration.
Raw rice has the potential to be kept for a very long time if stored properly. It, of course, depends on the type of rice, as some last longer than others.
While many types of uncooked rice are said to last up to 2 years, rice has a best-by date rather than an expiration date. If ever in doubt, one can always toss if feeling unsure.
You can store raw rice in an airtight plastic container, glass container or mason jar. Storing rice like this will keep out unwanted insects and keep the rice dry and safe to consume.
White rice has a shelf life of 4-5 years when raw and in storage. When cooked, white rice can last up to a week in the fridge and six months or more in the freezer.
Raw brown rice lasts roughly 6–8 months in the pantry and 8–12 months when stored in the fridge. After being cooked, brown rice keeps its taste for 3-4 days in the fridge and 6–8 months in the freezer.
Raw wild rice will last 6–8 months in pantry storage. When cooked, it will last up to a week in the fridge and 6–8 months in the freezer.
Minute Rice is convenient not only because it shaves off cooking times astronomically but also because it also lasts 4-5 years in your pantry.
Learn how to store rice properly to prolong its shelf life and avoid common storage mistakes.
Several factors can shorten the shelf life of your rice, including humidity, exposure to bugs, and mold growth.
Rice Does Best When Stored in an Airtight Container to Keep Moisture and Insects out
Unwanted exposure to humidity will result in rotten rice and an overall worse taste. Rice should always be kept in a place that is free of humidity. Moisture and humidity of any kind will cause mold to grow.
Rice, while a tasty meal, can also be a preferred nursery for bugs. Rice bugs use rice as a nesting ground to lay eggs, which contaminates all of the rice.
Making the rice harder for bugs to access will ensure it stays bug-free, so you don't have a bug infestation or need to toss your rice.
Mold goes hand in hand with humidity; if rice is exposed to humidity and moisture, mold tends to grow.
One will be able to tell if rice is bad because there will be an odor present as well as a different texture. Some signs will be more obvious, such as the presence of bugs or mold.
There are a few different places one can put rice. Pantry storage is a popular placement, but storing rice in the fridge and freezer are also good spots. It may entirely depend on how often the family eats rice—some areas may be more convenient than others!
Uncooked Rice Can be Stored with Other Dry Goods in the Pantry Where it Should Last for a Few Months
Rice storage is less about where the rice is and more about what it is placed in! That makes the most difference for storage and longevity!
That is why, regardless of location in the kitchen, one should invest in storage containers that eliminate exposure to moisture, bugs, and mold to ensure rice lasts as long as possible.
A container should be able to help avoid exposure to moisture, bugs, and mold. Beyond those preventative measures, the other decisions will be up to you!
The container should be large enough to hold every grain, depending on how often the family eats rice. Ensuring there’s room for a measuring cup at the top is also beneficial.
A tight seal is needed for all containers, regardless of how much rice is inside, because it prevents the possibility of humidity and bugs getting in. You’ll also be thankful for it if the rice container ever falls over.
Clear rice containers are more convenient since it’s easier to see how much rice is in there. Having clear containers can help the family differentiate the kinds of rice.
Additionally, if there were any bug infestations, it would be easier to see them through the sides of the clear glass or plastic rather than digging through an unclear container.
While clear containers are best for rice storage, many are confused about whether these clear containers need to be glass or plastic. Each version has pros and cons, so it’s up to you to decide!
Glass Rice Storage Containers are Environmentally Friendly, But They are Heavier and of Course Can Break
Plastic is always a safe and reliable option, so you won't go wrong there.
While the above are a few stipulations for rice storage, many different products offer great deals and extras for storing rice! Read on to see some of the most popular ones and whether they might meet your needs!
The Letusto Rice Dispenser holds many capabilities in one simple container. Hold rice and dispense the proper portion sizes so you'll never cook too much or too little rice ever again. Store rice safely to not only make it last longer but to make it easier to dish out and serve.
The Letusto Rice Dispenser holds up to 26 pounds of rice, which is helpful if rice is a meal staple in the home. It is safe, easy to use, and it can help tremendously with portion control.
The Greenkeeps Airtight Food Container is for those looking to make a simpler addition to the kitchen: a container for their rice, nothing more, nothing less. This long term storage canister is stainless steel, airtight, and holds up to 150 ounces of rice!
Stainless steel obviously won’t shatter like glass. Plus the container is kept airtight with multiple locking clamps on the top of the container.
Uppetly Rice Airtight Dry Food Storage Containers have a versatile design, so it can be used for more than just rice. With a clear design, a measuring cup, and measuring labels provided on the side, it’s easy to gauge how much rice is in there.
With a handy spout, rice can be poured easily without needing to undo the lid and scoop.
The Viretec Rice Food Storage Container is a unique and versatile design to keep rice fresh! With the potential to expand and collapse, it can be stored away to take up less space when not in use.
With a cute color to blend into your pantry, the Viretec Rice Food Storage Container is savvy for your rice storage needs!
It has a transparent cover design which allows you to see how much rice you have in this long term food storage container. It can also hold up to a whopping 50 lbs of rice.
The Pangliuhu 88 is a unique rice container with a flip-up lid! A drain hole at the bottom allows you to easily replace and replenish your rice stock. Ideal for those who frequently enjoy rice, the Panglihuhu88 adds convenience to its storage.
It is airtight, accessible and easy to clean. It can hold just over 20 lbs of rice.
The ZEAYEA is ideal for those who enjoy lots of rice. ZEAYEA eases rice preparations with a handy measuring cup to handle portions, which can then be doubled as a cup to rinse and wash rice before preparing.
No scooping is required, as a mechanism and spout will allow the rice to come directly out of the bottom to ensure first in and first out, so you can rest assured that the older rice gets eaten first.
The unit is airtight and features portion control settings so you get just the right amount of rice.
Yes, you can! Tupperware also has a large rice container that measures portions and contains a mechanism that rotates rice. First in, first out, so you’ll never waste any rice again!
