Can You Freeze Cooked Rice?

Can you freeze cooked rice?

In the following guide we will discuss the question, “can you freeze cooked rice?” We will discuss the proper ways to store cooked rice. We will get to know the nutritional value and health benefits of eating rice. We will also discuss the health concerns of eating frozen cooked rice.

Yes, you can freeze cooked rice. You can freeze cooked rice but raw rice can not be frozen. It is very easy for people who are busy and they are not able to make meals from scratch every day. Freezing the cooked rice will somehow alter the taste and texture of brown rice.

Although raw rice has a longer shelf life, it can be stored in the pantry for many months without getting spoiled.

What is the nutritional value of rice?

Rice is a type of grain that is a good source of starch and many other vitamins and minerals. Rice is the staple food in many countries and it is the major source of carbohydrates.

100 g of rice contains the following nutrients.

Nutrients	Value
Energy	130 kcal
Carbohydrates	28 g
Protein	2 g
Fats	0 g
Fibres	0.4 g
Calcium	10 mg
Magnesium	12 mg
Phosphorus	43 mg
Potassium	35 mg
Sodium	1 mg
Zinc	2 mg
Niacin	0 mg
Pantothenic acid	0 mg
Folate	8 mcg

What are the proper ways to store cooked rice?

To store the rice in the freezer you need to cook them first. Just keep in mind do not overcook them.

After cooking the rice, let them cool properly.
Once they cool down, make portions of them by measuring them with the help of cups.

Add each portion in a separate zip lock bag and store them in the freezer.
Do not store them in plastic boxes because they will stick to each other and they will break eventually while re-heating them.
Also avoid storing them in larger batches because it will be difficult for you to separate a portion when you want to reheat them.
Always reheat your rice in the microwave as heating them in the pan will change their texture and taste.
Always remove the air from the ziplock bag otherwise your rice will get freezer burn and this will make crystals with your rice.

Frozen-cooked brown rice is perfect to eat for 2 to 3 months, but if your temperature has not been maintained properly then there is a chance that it will go bad. The foams and lumpy texture of the rice indicate that your rice has gone bad.

What is the difference between white and brown rice?

Both white and brown rice provide carbohydrates but brown rice has more vitamins and minerals in it. Some of the key differences between the two are discussed in detail below:

Brown rice

Non-polished, whole grain.
Has more cooking time
High in fibre
Contains bran oil
Higher amounts of almost all vitamins and minerals.
Contains more amount of folate (20 mcg)

White rice

Polished
Less cooking time
Low in fibre
Do not contain bran layer
Lower amounts of all vitamins and minerals
Contains 8 mcg of folate which is lower than brown rice

What are the health benefits of cooked rice?

Rice is rich in magnesium and potassium along with dietary fibre. Both of these nutrients help in the maintenance of blood sugar levels. Research proves that whole grain cereals help in lowering blood glucose levels.

The glycemic index of brown rice is almost half the GI of white rice. This makes brown rice a perfect choice for people with diabetes.

Eating rice reduces the risk of a heart attack because it contains fibres and other minerals like potassium. Rice also decreases blood cholesterol and LDL levels.

Antioxidants are present in the bran of rice they help to fight the free radicals and act as anti-inflammatory agents in the human body.

What are the health risks of eating frozen cooked rice?

The health risks of eating frozen cooked rice are as under:

Eating frozen rice increases the risk of food poisoning if they are not properly heated. Bacillus cereus is a bacteria that is present in contaminated rice and it can cause food poisoning.

This bacteria grows at a temperature between 4 to 60 degrees centigrade and has the ability to make spores. You should not keep your rice at room temperature for a longer time.

Eating rice on a daily basis leads to obesity and obesity due to the presence of starch. Rice consumption on a daily basis also leads to constipation.

Other FAQs about Rice that you may be interested in.

Can you freeze brown rice?

Can you freeze arroz con leche?

Can you freeze and reheat rice?

Conclusion

In the above guide we discussed the question, “can you freeze cooked rice?” We discussed the proper ways to store cooked rice. We got to know the nutritional value and health benefits of eating rice. We also discussed the health concerns of eating frozen cooked rice.