How do you know when Rice goes bad?
In this brief guide, we will answer the question “How do you know when Rice goes bad?”, discuss shelf lives of rice and also give you tips on how to properly store rice. We will also list down differences between white rice and brown rice.
How do you know when Rice goes bad?
You can tell when the rice has gone bad by looking for signs of spoilage. Since raw rice has a longer shelf life than cooked rice, and their signs of spoilage also differ, let’s look at these signs separately for both of them.
Raw rice
Raw rice will give off a rancid odor when it has gone bad because it has fats in it which will deteriorate overtime. Brown rice spoils faster than white rice due to its higher fat content.
Raw rice may also get infested with bugs which you can easily see crawling about in your rice. They appear blackish red in color. Now these bugs can be separated by soaking the rice in water but if you feel uncomfortable with the idea of bugs in your food, then it is better to throw the rice out.
Next, touch the rice. If it feels damp or oily, then it means that the oil in the rice grains has seeped out of them making the rice go bad.
Cooked rice
Cooked rice will also give off a bad smell when it has spoiled. The taste may also alter if it has spoiled. It should taste exactly like the way it did when it was cooked.
Cooked rice should also have a fluffy and airy texture. Spoiled rice, on the other hand, will be slimy and gooey to touch.
Look for any growth of mold or discolorations as well.
What are the shelf lives of different types of rice?
Raw rice
Dry rice has a long shelf life and it is relatively shelf-stable. They should be kept in a cool, dry place and once they have been opened, they should be kept inside tightly sealed airtight jars or containers.
Brown rice spoils faster than white rice due to its higher fat content.
Shelf life of rice:
White rice: 2 years
Brown rice: 3-6 months
Cooked rice
Shelf life of cooked rice is more or less the same for all kinds of rice. It stays safe for consumption for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Make sure to properly and thoroughly reheat it before eating. You can also store cooked rice in the freezer for up to 8 months.
Learn more about shelf lives of rice here.
How to properly store rice?
- When unopened, rice can be kept in the pantry in a cool, dry place.
- Once opened, rice should be placed inside an airtight jar (preferably glass jar) and kept in a cool, dry, dark place and away from moisture.
- If you wish to store rice for longer periods of time, place it in a heavy duty freezer bag and put it in the freezer.
- Once cooked, do not leave the rice out for more than two hours.
- Place the rice in an airtight container and put it in the fridge.
- Freeze the cooked rice if you wish to store it for a long period of time.
What is the difference between brown rice and white rice?
Brown rice
Brown is 100% whole grain which makes it an ideal substitute for white rice for people who are trying to cut down on processed carbohydrates. The flavor profile is nutty and becomes fluffy once cooked. It is very nutritious as it is abundant in vitamins.
It is also ideal for making stir fry dishes and casseroles.
White rice
White rice is the most common type of rice used in a variety of cuisines. It contains a lot of starch hence it appears white and becomes slightly sticky once cooked. It is very rich in carbohydrates making it a bad option for people who are trying to lose weight.
It is preferred over brown rice by most people due to differences in their taste and texture.
It can be eaten with curries, with stir fry dishes, and to stuff peppers etc. White rice is more versatile when it comes to cooking. It goes well with most dishes.
Other FAQs about Rice that you may be interested in.
How do you cool down a pot of rice using the shallow pan method?
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “How do you know when Rice goes bad?”, discussed shelf lives of rice and also gave you tips on how to properly store rice. We also listed down differences between white rice and brown rice.
