Different Storing Ideas of Uncooked Rice:Does rice go bad?

What is Uncooked Rice?

Uncooked (or raw rice), is rice that has not undergone any cooking process. After harvesting, rice is milled to remove the husk, germ or bran.

In case the germ and the bran are removed, the end result becomes white or "polished" rice. But if the germ and then bran are retained, then the end product becomes brown rice.

Do you know how to store uncooked rice? Different types of rice actually require different storage times.

Different Types of Uncooked Rice and their Storage Time

Like other common food types, rice comes in a variety of types. As a matter of fact, there are more than 400 varieties of rice from over a dozen countries.

Fortunately, all these rice varieties can be put into a few broad categories. And each type of rice has a different expiry period. However, how well the storage method works depends on the storage conditions in question.

Let's have a look at how rice type and storage times differ.

- White rice

White rice can go last 4 or 5 years when stored in the pantry without going bad. With high-quality storage conditions, the rice can last for up to 30 years.

- Brown rice and Wild Rice

Unlike white rice, brown rice should last for up to 6 to 8 months when stored in the pantry.

What is the Best Way to Store Uncooked Rice?

How long uncooked rice lasts depends on a number of factors.

For instance, refrigeration should keep the rice unspoiled for many months. Still, packaging it improperly before storing it can give you very different results.

So, the best way to store uncooked rice involves a series of steps.

Let's have a look at them.

Step 1

Make sure the rice is dry. Leaving or introducing moisture content into the rice will only lower its shelf life.

This applies even to rice stored in airtight containers. The rice and the container itself needs to be completely free from moisture.

Step 2

Secondly, you should store the rice in a cool area. Rice does not do well under high temperatures.

Ideally, uncooked rice should be stored at room temperature.

However, a temperature below room temperature improves its longevity.

Step 3

The rice should also be kept away from anything that would mess the packaging. Bugs and anything that would mess the packaging can lower its shelf life substantially.

The packaging should for as long as the intended storage time. If it breaks down sooner, the uncooked rice will also get bad sooner. If you store your rice in storage, you should use a moisture absorber for your storage. Moisture absorbers eradicate excess moisture from the storage and keep the stored rice in a good condition.

Uncooked Rice Storage Ideas:

1. Pantry

Ideally, if you have rice you intend to use within a few weeks, then you can store it in the pantry. But uncooked rice can be stored safely for more than a few years. Read on to learn more.

2. Airtight Container

3. Refrigeration and Freezing

Freezing and refrigerating your uncooked rice is also a great way to make it last longer. This storage option can preserve brown rice for up to 12 months. White rice can be preserved in this manner for a few years.

For longer periods of storage, the rice should be sealed in vacuum bags or containers, and then stored in a cool and dark spot.

How Long Should You Keep Uncooked Rice?

There is a broad selection of rice storage options available to you. In fact, you can keep your uncooked rice for as long as you want. However, this will depend on the storage option you choose to employ.

With some storage options, you only have a few months before the rice becomes unusable. But with other storage options, you can keep the rice indefinitely.

Should I Keep Rice in the Fridge?

Yes, you can keep rice in the fridge. Uncooked rice can last for at least a couple of months when sealed properly and left in the fridge.

Does Uncooked Rice go Bad?

Yes, uncooked rice can go bad. But this happens much faster when the rice is stored improperly. At room temperature, uncooked brown rice can go bad in 3 to 6 months.

That is why innovative storage ideas are required to store the rice properly. Still, with proper storage away from contaminants, uncooked rice can be stored indefinitely.

The Right Way to Store Uncooked Brown Rice

Uncooked brown rice is very different from uncooked white rice. First of all, it has greater fat content; and that makes it go bad much faster.

Still, with proper storage, this type of rice can stay for long periods of time without going bad. Some storage options include the following:

1.Refrigeration

Refrigerating brown rice can preserve it for up to 12 months.

2.Pantry

You can store your brown rice in the pantry. But the rice can only last 3 to 6 months before going rancid

3.Airtight Container

An airtight container can preserve brown rice very well for a very long time. However, the container also has to be kept away from bright light and at room temperature.

The rice can last for several years without going bad under these storage conditions.

4.Freezer

You can also store brown rice in a freezer. Under these conditions, the rice can go for up to 2 years without going bad.

Conclusion

Rice is one of the most common foods in the world. Therefore, having large amounts of it in the house is perfectly natural for most people.

However, the challenge is keeping the rice in good condition over prolonged storage periods. And above are some ways to deal with this problem.

In general, white rice will last much longer. But under the right storage conditions, so can brown rice.

The best way to store uncooked rice for longer is to keep it in airtight containers. These containers keep away moisture and oxygen. These elements accelerate the process at which it goes bad.