Rice is a staple food for many people across the globe, supplying a significant portion of their carbohydrate intake.
But how long will your rice last once it’s been sitting in the pantry?
And what exactly happens to the rice while it’s on the shelf?
In this article, we’ll examine whether rice actually “goes bad.”
We’ll also look at how to best store your rice so it doesn’t go bad.
How can you tell if rice has gone bad?
If you bought rice in bulk, then chances are it was stored in a sealed container.
If it was packaged individually, however, then there’s no way to tell whether it went bad right away or after some time. It depends on the type of packaging used.
As a general rule, rice should be kept in its original package or in a resealable plastic bag.
Any storage container should be tightly closed to avoid exposure to air.
If the rice is exposed to air, then it may start to mold, which can lead to health issues.
How long does rice last before it goes bad?
It depends on the type of rice, but most varieties last about a year.
Brown rice lasts longer than white rice because it contains more vitamins B1, B3, and magnesium.
The rice grains themselves are also smaller and less porous, which means they’re better able to absorb moisture and nutrients.
But even though brown rice lasts longer, it’s not necessarily any healthier.
Some studies suggest that eating too much brown rice may increase the risk of developing diabetes.
Can you eat rice that has gone bad?
While it’s true that some types of rice may get moldy, it’s unlikely that you’ll suffer from any serious health consequences if you eat them.
If you’ve opened up the container and exposed the rice to air, however, then you shouldn’t consume it.
Even if the rice has gone bad, the bacteria that cause spoilage won’t grow inside the grain itself.
Instead, they’ll form a layer over the surface of the rice.
This is why you need to keep rice in a sealed container.
What happens if you eat bad rice?
When you eat rice that hasn’t been properly stored, it may contain harmful bacteria that could make you sick.
These bacteria include salmonella, E. coli, listeria monocytogenes, and campylobacter jejuni.
They thrive in warm temperatures and moist conditions, so if you leave your rice out on the countertop for a few days, it’s likely to develop these harmful organisms.
The bacteria can enter your body through cuts in the skin or by consuming tainted food.
Symptoms of illness caused by contaminated rice include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and headache.
In severe cases, you may experience kidney failure, meningitis, septicemia, and other complications.
If you suspect that your rice has spoiled, then don’t eat it!
Throw it away immediately.
How do you store rice to prevent it from going bad?
Here are some tips for storing rice so it doesn’t become stale or turn rancid:
Store your rice in a cool, dry place with low humidity.
Make sure there aren’t any leaks in the container.
Place it in a bowl or other container with holes in the bottom.
Keep your rice in a tightly sealed container or in a resealable plastic bag.
Don’t open the container until you plan to use the rice.
You can also freeze your rice to extend its shelf life.
You should never thaw frozen rice directly on the counter.
Use a microwave instead.
What causes rice to go bad?
There are two main reasons why rice can go bad.
First, if you buy it in bulk, then there’s a chance that it wasn’t stored properly.
Second, if you buy it in individual packages, then it’s possible that the rice began to rot during transport.
Either way, the rice itself isn’t affected.
Rice that has gone bad may smell mustier or have a strange taste.
You might notice that the rice grains are hard and dry.
When you bite into one, you’ll find that it’s hollow inside.
If you see any of these symptoms, then toss the rice and replace it with fresh rice.
Is it safe to cook with rice that has gone bad?
Yes, it’s fine to cook with rice that has gone bad.
As long as you’re certain that it hasn’t started to ferment (which would produce alcohol), then you should be fine.
Just be careful not to let your rice come in contact with raw meats or vegetables.
If you want to double-check that the rice hasn’t gone bad, then you can test it using a rice cooker.
Simply add 1 cup of water to the pot and put in the rice.
Wait for the rice to finish cooking, then check the liquid level.
If there’s only a small amount of water left, then it’s probably safe to eat.
How do you know when rice is bad?
You’ll know that your rice is bad if you can’t fit it back into the same container.
If you open it and the rice spills everywhere, then it’s definitely time to throw it out.
What are the signs of bad rice?
These are some of the warning signs that indicate that your rice has gone bad:
The rice smells like rotten eggs or fish.
The rice grains are mushy and soft.
The rice grains are very dry and hard.
The rice grains taste bitter.
Is it still safe to eat rice that has gone a little bad?
Most experts recommend discarding rice that has gone bad.
But if you’d rather save it, then you can try to salvage it.
Here’s how to do it:
Scrape the top layer of mold off the rice.
Place the rice in a clean bowl.
Cover the bowl with aluminum foil.
Refrigerate the rice overnight.
Discard the rice in the morning.
Here is Kimchi Fried Rice to try
Do you ever buy rice that looks old?
No, you should always buy new rice.
Old rice tends to be dried out, and it’s important to maintain the moisture content of your rice so it cooks correctly.
Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Pan
- 1 wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 3 cups steamed rice
- 1 cup kimchi chopped
- ¼ cup juice kimchi
- ¼ cup water
- 2-3 tablespoons gochujang
- 3 teaspoons sesame oil toasted
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup green onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds roasted
- 1 sheet seaweed roasted and shredded gim
Instructions
- Heat up a pan.
- Add the vegetable oil.
- Add the kimchi and stir fry for 1 minute.
- Add rice, kimchi juice, water, and gochujang.
- Stir all the ingredients together for about 7 minutes with a wooden spoon.
- Add sesame oil and remove from the heat.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onion, roasted gim, and sesame seeds.
- Serve right away
Video
Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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