Cooked rice
Cooked rice is one of the most commonly used pantry staples. Its long shelf life depends on the way you cook and store it. If you don’t follow the correct procedures, you may end up with a batch of rice that smells and tastes bad. You can keep it from going bad by freezing it or by storing it in a dry place. There are several ways to tell if cooked rice is bad, but the first is the odor.
Aside from the smell, the appearance of your rice can also help you determine whether it’s safe to eat. Stale rice tends to be dry and crumbly. The texture of stale rice can also be hard. This means that the grains have been in the fridge for quite a while and have lost moisture. In addition, a sour or musty odor can be a sign of badness.
When it comes to preparing and serving rice, you need to follow all instructions on the package. Don’t taste or smell the rice until you’re ready to eat it. Instead, rinse your hands thoroughly with water. Make sure to use clean utensils to prepare the rice.
Rice that has been stored for more than a few days should be thrown out. Brown rice is prone to spoilage. This is because the grains can become oily or develop mold and bugs. Another sign of spoiled rice is a musty, pungent smell. These signs can be easy to spot.
When reheating leftover rice, it’s best to do it on high heat. To keep your rice reheated at a high temperature, you may need to add a little bit of liquid. Keep in mind that the amount of liquid you use should be about two tablespoons of water per cup of rice. Reheating rice in the microwave is a quick way to reheat it. However, if you’re reheating rice in a non-stick pan, start with low heat. Once you’re satisfied with the results, you can switch to a higher temperature.
Storing cooked rice in the refrigerator can be a good option for preserving it. However, it’s important to keep in mind that cooked rice should not be stored in the refrigerator for more than four or five days. Moreover, if you’re storing it for longer than a few months, it’s better to freeze it. Using an airtight container, preferably in a freezer, will protect your rice from moisture and bugs.
If you’re unsure about the quality of your rice, you can always test it by sampling a small portion. If it doesn’t taste right, you should discard it. Additionally, if it smells foul or weird, you should discard it as well.
It’s a good idea to use resealable containers when storing cooked rice. An airtight plastic bag or a pot with a lid are the best options. Besides protecting the rice from moisture and bugs, these containers are also labeled with the date and name of the rice.
Considering the above mentioned tips, you should be able to know whether or not your rice is still good. For instance, if it has a weird, musty odor, it’s a good idea to throw out your old rice immediately.