How long is cooked white rice good for?

In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long is cooked white rice good for”, we will discuss when cooked rice goes bad and how to store it under proper conditions.

How long is Cooked White Rice Good for

Cooked white rice lasts for 5 to 7 days if it is properly stored in the fridge. Storing at cooler temperatures will increase its shelf life. 

If cooked rice is stored in the freezer it will be of the best quality for about 6 months or more.

However, storing in the refrigerator does not kill the bacteria but it will only slow down the growth of bacteria.

Failure to follow the precautions will lead to food poisoning which can have adverse effects on your health.

Rice is one of those staples that appears to have indefinite storage life. But this is only true for uncooked rice, keep in mind that cooked rice has a limit to how long it will last.

 Here’s how to settle on the decision on when to throw it.

What are the Signs that Rice has Gone Spoiled

  1. It’s Super Hard and Dry

Extra rice will dry out more every day it sits in the refrigerator. However, when the grains have gotten very hard, dry, or even crunchy, odds are that it’s been in the fridge well over a couple of days. 

Rice is best when eaten a couple of days from when it’s cooked. To increase the shelf life of the rice store it in an airtight container inside the fridge.

  1. It was Left Unrefrigerated for too Long

It’s ideal to limit the time cooked rice is left at room temperature. The moisture in the climate offers ideal conditions for bacterial development.

And keeping in mind that refrigeration doesn’t stop that development of bacteria but slows it down.

Uncooked rice can contain spores of a bacterium known as Bacillus cereus. Even after cooking these spores can still survive because they can withstand high temperatures.

When the cooked rice isn’t taken care of properly, the bacteria can cause food poisoning.

  1. It’s been Cooled and Reheated Multiple Times

It’s ideal to limit the number of times rice is reheated. This presents an ideal climate for microbes to develop. A general guideline is to reheat extra rice just once. After that, it’s most secure to throw any leftovers. 

All things considered, on the off chance that you have more rice than you can eat, feel free to freeze the leftovers for some other time

  1. It has an Unpleasant Smell

On the off chance that there’s a terrible smell coming from your rice, it’s an obvious indicator that now is the time to throw it right away. 

At this point, rice has been in the fridge for over four days, and it’s not ideal at this point to eat them.

Other FAQs about Rice which you may be interested in.

Can you freeze rice noodles?

What type of rice for sushi?

How long does rice last in the fridge?

How to Reheat Cooked Rice

To microwave extra rice: 

  • Take the rice out of the storage container. For each cup of rice, add 1–2 tablespoons of water. Close the container to permit the rice to re-steam. 
  • Place it in the microwave and heat for 3–4 minutes, or until quite hot all through. 
  • Ensure the heating temperature of the rice is 165°F or higher. In an uncertain event, utilize a food thermometer. 

Serve right away.

Can Reheating Rice Cause Food Poisoning

Uncooked rice can contain spores of Bacillus cereus, microorganisms that can cause food contamination. The spores can endure heat when rice is cooked. 

On the off chance that rice is left remaining at room temperature, the spores can develop into bacteria. These microorganisms will duplicate and may create poisons (harms) that cause vomiting or loose diarrhea. 

The more cooked rice is left at room temperature, the more probable it is that the bacteria or toxins could make the rice go bad.

How to Store Rice

The USDA suggests that the leftovers should have the following storage periodic 

  • Discard white rice extras following 3 to 4 days of storage. 
  • Discard white rice in the freezer following 3 to 4 months. 

Store nourishments at a protected temperature. As indicated by the USDA, room temperature is 90°F, which is the ideal temperature for microorganisms to develop. Microscopic organisms develop quickly somewhere in the range of 40°F and 140°F. 

  • Store nourishments at 40°F and beneath. Make sure that the fridge is at this temperature or lower. 

Conclusion

  • Cooked Rice lasts in the fridge for about 6 to 7 days.
  • It’s ideal to store rice in the fridge otherwise it may cause food poisoning.
  • It’s not advisable to reheat rice again and again.

In this brief guide, we answered the question “How long is cooked white rice good for”, we discussed how cooked rice lasts in the fridge and under various conditions.

References

  1. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/how-temperatures-affect-food/ct_index
  2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacillus_cereus#:~:text=Bacillus%20
  3. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/keep-food-safe-food-safety-basics/ct_index