When making a large batch of us. Rice to enjoy with a Stir frywe just put the leftover cereal in a container and throw it in the fridge with great meal plans soon. Unfortunately, we often don’t remember it’s there until days later and wonder if the rice is still good to eat.
In general, you can keep leftover rice in the refrigerator for about three to four days. Caroline Thompson“You might not think of rice as a particularly high-risk food, but it can be. Bacillus cereusincreases, which can lead to foodborne illness.”
Bacillus cereus thrives in rice that has not been properly cooled and can cause food poisoning, says Xiaonan LuPh.D., Prof McGill University and member of Institute of Food TechnologistsFood Microbiology Division. “Over time, rice can dry out, become hard or lose its flavor, especially if not stored properly.”
Why is it important to store rice properly?
Eating leftover rice that has gone past its prime can be a matter of safety and quality. “Safety is first and foremost with rice because if it is left at room temperature too long before refrigeration, it is prone to bacterial contamination,” Thompson says. The USDA says you should never eat food that’s been left out of the refrigerator. More than two hours.
In addition to safety, the overall flavor of leftover rice can suffer if it is kept too long. “The quality will also decline over time, as the rice dries out and loses texture or flavor,” says Thompson. “If rice is stored in sauces or oils, it can become rancid and its reheating quality can suffer.”
gave Type of rice Whether you have rice—white, brown, jasmine, basmati, or glutinous rice—doesn’t necessarily affect its shelf life. But the way it is prepared can make a difference.
“Rice cooked with oil, butter, or other ingredients can spoil more quickly than plain boiled rice,” Thompson explains. “Similarly, fried rice or rice in chutneys may not last as long due to excess moisture or perishable ingredients.”
Low says it doesn’t matter whether the rice is steamed, boiled, or cooked as part of a dish. “However, rice mixed with perishable ingredients such as meat, seafood, or vegetables can spoil quickly, so consider the most perishable ingredients when determining storage time.”
How to store leftover rice
For a longer storage life, make sure you package your leftover rice properly. Cool the rice completely before refrigerating. Thompson suggests transferring it to a shallow container to help it come to room temperature within an hour. Then put the rice in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. Airtight containers Helps retain moisture and prevents the rice from absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to eat leftover rice, be sure to heat it to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any potential bacteria. You can reheat the rice in the microwave, on the stove, or in a steamer. Add a little water to restore moisture.
“Leftovers are great for making dishes like rice. Fried rice, Rice puddingor rice soup, where its slightly drier texture can actually enhance the recipe,” says Thompson.
If you have a lot of leftover rice and know you won’t be eating it in a few days, consider freezing it. Divide it into portion sizes you’ll use in one sitting, then store it in airtight, freezer-safe containers or scoop it into reusable freezer bags. Thompson says frozen rice can last up to six months in the freezer and is easy to reheat and enjoy plain or in your favorite rice dish.