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Storage Tips
Maximize the shelf life and freshness of rice in your pantry and learn how to properly store cooked rice for a quick start to your next meal!
Storing Uncooked Rice
Once opened, rice should be stored in a cool, dry place in a tightly closed container that keeps out dust, moisture, and other contaminants. Rice will absorb strong aromas, so it is important to store rice away from foods such as onions or garlic.
- Milled Rice (e.g. white or parboiled rice) – If stored properly, milled rice will keep almost indefinitely on the pantry shelf.
- Whole Grain Rice (e.g. brown rice) – Because of the oil in the bran layer, this rice has a shelf life of approximately six months. Refrigerator or freezer storage is recommended for longer shelf life.
Storing Uncooked Rice
As with many dry goods, uncooked rice should be stored in a dry and cool environment. Rice will absorb strong aromas, so it is very important to store rice far away from foods such as onions or garlic. Rice should be stored in a tightly closed container that keeps out dust, moisture, and other contaminants.
- Milled Rice (e.g. white, parboiled, etc.) – White rice, if stored properly, has an almost indefinite shelf life.
- Whole Grain Rice (e.g. brown rice) – Due to the oil content in the attached bran, aleurone and germ, brown rice is susceptible to oxidation and has a shelf life of six months. Keeping brown rice in a refrigerator or cooler will extend the shelf life.
Storing Cooked Rice
Cooked rice may be stored in the refrigerator for three to five days or frozen up to six months. It is recommended that rice be cooled to 70°F within two hours and from 70°F to 40°F within an additional four hours. Hold cold rice at 41°F or below.
Storing Cooked Rice
Because rice is a cereal product, it must be handled properly to avoid spoilage by foodborne bacteria. Rice should be held for service in a steam table or warmer above 140°F (60°C). Hot rice should be cooled as quickly as possible by transferring it to a shallow pan. Cool the rice to 70°F (21°C) within two hours. Rice should then be wrapped, dated and refrigerated. Cooked rice may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
