10 Dos and Don’ts of Keeping Rice in the Fridge

Rice is one of the world’s oldest and most popular staples, creating the basis for meals in many different cultures around the globe. Though rice can last long when stored correctly, it’s essential to know how to handle and store it correctly — especially if you keep unused cooked or uncooked grain in your fridge. To help get you started on making sure your rice remains fresh for longer, we’ve compiled this list of 10 dos and don’ts of storing cooked rice in the refrigerator. Whether you need tips on preparing dishes with leftovers or simple advice about keeping them from getting spoiled, read on to find all the best methods for handling leftover cooked rice!

10 Dos of Keeping Rice in the Fridge

1. Check your rice’s expiration date before storing it in the fridge. If it has expired, do not consume it, as the quality will have been compromised and can lead to food-borne illnesses.

2. Keep cooked rice separate from uncooked rice when storing it in the fridge. This will help prevent cross-contamination if different foods are stored together for too long or at high temperatures.

3. Do use airtight containers when storing cooked or uncooked rice in the fridge, as this will help keep out moisture which can lead to spoilage and a decrease in nutritional value over time.

4. Cool cooked rice quickly after cooking by spreading it into a shallow container before storing it in the fridge. This will help reduce bacterial growth and prevent food-borne illnesses.

5. Do store cooked rice in the refrigerator as soon as possible after cooking to maintain its freshness and nutrition, but wait until two hours before doing so.

6. Make sure that cooked rice is placed at the bottom of the fridge, away from any raw foods or potential sources of contamination, such as uncooked meats, which can cause cross-contamination if stored together for too long.

7. Label both cooked and uncooked rice containers so you know what is inside each one when looking for a meal later on.

8. Do check cooked rice regularly for any signs of spoilage, such as discolouration or a sour smell. If you notice these signs, do not eat the rice and discard it immediately.

9. Keep cooked and uncooked rice airtight in the fridge to avoid contamination from pests or other food particles that can accumulate if left open for too long. Many people asked, “How long can cooked rice stay refrigerated?”

10. Use cooked rice within two days of cooking; however, if you want to store it for longer than this, put it in the freezer instead, where it can be kept for up to six months. Reheat frozen rice thoroughly before consuming it again so that any bacteria present is killed off.

10 Don’ts of Keeping Rice in the Fridge

1. Don’t store cooked or uncooked rice for more than four days. Rice can spoil and form mould afterwards, so it’s best to consume it within the first few days of cooking or storing.

2. Don’t place cooked or uncooked rice directly into the refrigerator without any protection. Store the dish in an airtight container or wrap it securely in plastic until it is ready to be eaten.

3. Don’t leave cooked rice out at room temperature for more than two hours.This can lead to bacterial growth and food poisoning when consumed later.

4. Don’t mix different kinds of rice when storing them; they will take a long time to cook and may not be cooked evenly.

5. Don’t use the same container used for uncooked rice to store cooked rice, which can cause cross-contamination.

6. Only freeze uncooked rice if it is meant to be frozen; otherwise, it can become mushy when it thaws out.

7. Don’t allow cooked or uncooked rice to come into contact with raw meat, seafood, or eggs, as this can cause contamination from bacteria in these products.

8. Don’t store cooked or uncooked rice near the stovetop, which can cause it to overheat and spoil faster.

9. Don’t leave cooked or uncooked rice uncovered in the refrigerator, as this can cause it to dry out and become unappetising.

10. Don’t forget to label any containers of cooked or uncooked rice that you store in the fridge so that you know exactly when they were made and stored. This will help ensure the safe consumption of the rice.

Conclusion

The above 10 Do’s and Don’ts of keeping rice in the fridge should provide you with basic guidelines as to what you can do and what to avoid if you are thinking of storing rice in the refrigerator. Don’t forget to store uncooked rice for too long, check it regularly, keep the storage temperature steady, and use airtight containers. In that case, you should have no problem saving your rice edible and tasty when properly refrigerated. With a little knowledge and good practices, your refrigerator could become the perfect place for rice storage. Read more here!