As you may already know, brown rice is a key part of the human diet in many parts of the world. Did you know that rice is a staple food for over 3.5 million people?
Like pasta and other grains, there are many different types of rice, like Basmati rice, Jasmine rice, and black and brown rice.
Brown rice is a popular type of rice for those who would like a healthy alternative to white rice.
Have you ever considered how long brown rice lasts after purchase? How should I store my rice, and where?
So what’s the bottom line?
The freshness of your brown rice is just as important as the health benefits. There are steps you can take to ensure your brown rice is fresh and ready to eat for as long as possible. Spoiler: that means storing uncooked rice in a cool, dry place and cooked brown rice in the refrigerator.
Signs Your Brown Rice Has Spoiled
A general rule of thumb, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is that uncooked brown rice, whether its packaging has been opened or not, will retain its freshness for 3 to 6 months.
On the other hand, cooked brown rice will remain fresh for 4 to 6 days when stored in the refrigerator.
When examining uncooked brown rice, if the grains appear to be crumbling, are hard, or have an abnormally dark appearance, these are all signs the rice has gone bad.
In the case of cooked rice, checking the smell of your rice is important.
If your cooked brown rice has an odor or is slimy when you touch it, these are key signs your brown rice has gone bad.
It’s very important to take the freshness of your brown rice seriously to avoid illness. And remember: if parts of the batch are spoiled, it’s likely that the entire package has also gone bad.
How To Store Your Brown Rice For The Longest Shelf Life
Just like any other type of rice, brown rice should be stored in a cool and dry space free from humidity. Ideal storage spaces would be inside a cupboard or closet.
In these conditions, uncooked brown rice should last for up to 6 months. Brown rice can either be in a vacuum-sealed bag or an airtight container, whichever you prefer.
If you want your brown rice to last even longer, storing it in your freezer is another great option to preserve quality and freshness. When freezing brown rice, storing it in an airtight container is ideal for preventing freezer burn.
When stored in the freezer, brown rice can stay fresh for 12 to 18 months.
The Importance Of Freshness In This Popular Staple Food
Eating this nutritious and fibrous whole grain food can help you lose weight and can even help improve your heart health, so incorporating brown rice into your regular diet can be a game-changer in your overall well-being.
It’s easy enough to pay attention to the expected shelf life of brown rice but doing your due diligence to protect your health is key.
This means paying attention to the smell, appearance, and texture of your rice. In conclusion, if ever in doubt about the quality of your brown rice, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and purchase a new pack.
