Rice shelf life: how to properly store at home in a package where it is better to keep
Rice is one of the oldest cereal crops that has been grown for more than 8 thousand years. Even before our era, the soldiers of Alexander the Great brought this plant from Asia to Europe. This cereal does not lose popularity to this day. It is actively used in cooking in various countries of the world. At the same time, many people are interested in the shelf life of rice and how to properly store this product at home in the package.
How long does rice usually last
The shelf life of groats is regulated by GOST 6292-93 “Rice groats. Specifications" . It is 10-18 months. Specific expiration dates may vary depending on the type of cereal.
The grain processing technology in the factory affects the shelf life of the product. Rice oil is present in the bran shell of unrefined cereals. This ingredient can go rancid quickly. The shelf life of such rice is a maximum of 1 year.
If the packaging indicates a longer storage period, this should raise suspicion. It is likely that the cereal was subjected to chemical processing. This increases the shelf life, but negatively affects the benefits of the product. Eating a large amount of such cereals is a he alth hazard and can cause intoxication of the body.
White rice can be stored for a longer period of time - 16-18 months. The expiration date differs depending on the region. For example, in the Caucasus, Central Asia and Ukraine, rice retains its freshness throughout the year. In other regions, it is 18 months.
Regardless of the storage period, some rules must be followed:
- Keep rice in an airtight container. This will protect the grits from dust and help prevent parasites from getting inside. It is important to make sure that there are no bugs in the rice. Bay leaves will help to cope with parasites.
- Place the container away from moisture. Even a few drops of water in a container of cereal will cause it to go bad.
- Keep a container of cereal in a cool room or pantry. It is best to store it in a dark place.
It is important to consider that over time, cereals lose their properties. All varieties of rice include starch. With prolonged storage, the cereal is saturated with moisture, which leads to its deterioration. High water content increases the likelihood of mold development. Even after heat treatment, it is strictly forbidden to eat such a product.
Where is the best place to store it
Rice can be kept in a variety of places - in the refrigerator or in the freezer. Also, cereals are well stored at room conditions.
Refrigerator
In the refrigerator, you can put not only boiled rice, but also cereals. However, it is important to take into account a number of features. Cooked rice should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator as it can absorb bad odors. The longer the finished porridge is stored, the more its taste deteriorates. The shelf life of such a product does not exceed 3 days. This applies to porridge without the addition of oil and other ingredients.
It is also permissible to keep rice cereal in the refrigerator. This method has certain advantages:
- In cool weather, the risk of insect development is significantly reduced.
- Under such conditions, the shelf life of the product can be extended by several months.
- There is no danger of bugs or other pests in the cereal.
The shelf life of rice cereal in the refrigerator is quite impressive. Under such conditions, the product retains its properties for 15 months.
Freezer
This is a one-stop place to store dry or cooked rice. Keeping fresh cereals in the freezer for a long time is not worth it, as this will negatively affect its taste. The product can be placed there for 5-7 days. This will help to cope with parasites and prevent their appearance later.
Cooked rice can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Longer storage will lead to a deterioration in the taste and properties of the product. To store ready-made porridge in the freezer, you should use airtight containers.
Room temperature
Like many other cereals, rice can be kept at room temperature. In most cases, this is done in kitchen cabinets. To store the product, it is recommended to use textile bags, plastic bags and glass containers. It should be borne in mind that only glass and plastic containers prevent the penetration of harmful insects into the cereal.
There are many different places to store rice. It is important to consider that there should not be high humidity and direct sunlight. As for temperature indicators, they cannot exceed + 15-17 degrees. Relative humidity should be 65-75%.
To keep rice fresh for as long as possible, it is important to protect it from bugs and parasites. There are many proven methods for this. To prevent insect attacks, you should do the following:
- Put a few cloves of garlic, chestnuts or hot peppers in a bowl with grits. Dried citrus zest is also perfect for this purpose.
- Place a small foil ball into the container.
- Use chewing gum. It should have a menthol or mint flavor. It is worth using 1 pad or plate per container.
Store rice groats at room temperature for quite a long time. The shelf life of such a product reaches 12-18 months.
Rice is a fairly popular product that has excellent taste and brings great he alth benefits.In order for this cereal to retain its properties for as long as possible, it is important to provide it with optimal storage conditions. In this case, a number of important nuances should be taken into account.
