Does rice mold? (+3 ways to spot bad rice)
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “does rice mold” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not the rice mold. Moreover, we are going to discuss the ways to spot bad rice, the shelf life of uncooked rice, and the proper way to store the uncooked and cooked rice.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
Does rice mold?
Once opened, both brown and white rice can absorb water which makes them a good place for the microorganisms and molds to grow. Molds grow in environments rich in nutrients and water, and rice with moisture is one of their favorite spots!
So when it comes to uncooked rice, it lasts for eternity and has a long shelf life if it is stored properly. It does not develop any organic growth like mold on it until and unless it was stored for too long in a humid and warm place. Moreover, if somehow water finds its way into your uncooked rice and stays there for too long, then the molds can also grow on the rice that is continuously in contact with the water. While on the other hand, a mold can grow on the cooked rice once it goes bad.
How to spot bad rice?
Appearance
If you see some mold, on the cooked rice then it is an indication of spoiled cooked rice. In the case of the uncooked rice, if you see weevils in the container of rice, then it is the indication that your uncooked rice is past its prime age. Moreover, the presence of mold in the container of uncooked rice also indicates that the rice has gone bad.
Texture
If you notice that the cooked rice has become dry and has hardened, then it is the indication that your cooked rice is past its prime age.
Smell
If you notice some off-smell (unpleasant sour smell) or something that does not quite smell like cooked rice then it means that your cooked rice has gone bad and you should discard it.
While in the case of uncooked rice, if you notice some rancid, moldy, or rusty smell then it means that your uncooked rice has gone bad.
Other FAQs about Rice which you may be interested in.
How long does rice flour last?
How long can you eat rice after cooking?
What will happen if you consume the rice that has gone bad?
If you consume the rice that has gone bad then it can put you at the risk of many food-borne illnesses especially food poisoning because of the presence of B.Cereus. Thus the consumption of such rice can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps.
How should you store your uncooked rice?
As uncooked rice is a shelf-stable commodity, therefore you can store it in an air-tight container or plastic zipper bag in a cool, dry, and dark corner of your pantry or kitchen cabinet. Moreover, the container containing the uncooked rice should be stored away from direct sunlight and heat. You should never store your uncooked rice in a humid environment as the moisture can degrade the quality of the rice and can even spoil it.
What is the shelf life of uncooked rice?
The raw white rice lasts for about 4-5 years when stored properly in the pantry. The oxygen-free white rice has a shelf life of 25-30 years when it is stored in a cool, dry, and dark corner of your pantry. Oxygen-free white rice is the polished white rice that is sealed in the oxygen-free container at 40°F.
Brown rice stays fresh for about 6-8 months in an air-tight container in your pantry while the wild rice stays fresh for about 6-8 months in the pantry. When it comes to the minute rice, they have a shelf life of 4-5 years when they are kept in an air-tight container in a cool, dry, and dark corner of your pantry, away from direct sunlight and heat. Uncooked rice lasts even more than this time. It is just the estimated time within which you can enjoy the peak quality and taste of the rice.
How should you store your cooked rice?
You should always store your cooked rice at 40°F or below in the fridge. Bacterial growth takes place at a faster pace between the temperature of 40°F and 140°F, therefore it is always advised to store cooked rice at a lower temperature to preserve its freshness and quality for a long time.
The cooked rice should be stored in an air-tight container or plastic zipper bag in the refrigerator. It is recommended to store your cooked rice container on one of the shelves of the fridge rather than the door, as there is a lot of temperature fluctuation at the door of the fridge. Never leave your opened cooked rice on the kitchen counter for more than 2 hours or else the bacteria and other microbes will contaminate it.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “does rice mold” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not the rice mold. Moreover, we discussed the ways to spot bad rice, the shelf life of uncooked rice, and the proper way to store the uncooked and cooked rice.
