Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerous
How long does the rice keep? Even beyond the expiration date? And what happens if we eat expired or spoiled rice?
Arborio, carnaroli, parboiled, red, venus ... there is something for all tastes and needs and, given its incredible versatility when it comes to cooking, it remains the basic ingredient in many cuisines around the world. However, no matter which type you prefer, one question applies to everyone: how long the rice is kept (raw or cooked)?
The shelf life of rice varies by type, but the main difference when it comes to storage times is between white rice and brown rice. (Read also: White Rice Vs. Brown Rice: Benefits and Precautions)
Since brown rice is not ground or polished, it has a higher oil or fat content. Therefore, it can turn rancid faster than white rice. But both types of rice are considered stable when dry, which means they can be safely stored at room temperature.
Here are the shelf life of each type of rice:
- rwhite iso: up to 2 years
- brown rice: 3-6 months from the production date
Also keep in mind that refrigeration and freezing can significantly extend the shelf life of both products, although it is recommended to do it raw.
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How to know if dry rice has expired
Even long-life foods obviously have an expiration date. Nonetheless, they can be safely consumed after that date if there are no signs of deterioration on the packaging or the product itself.
Knowing if dry rice has gone bad is relatively easy - just check the packaging for signs of deterioration, including holes, any insects, moisture or water, which could also cause mold to form. (Read also: Mold in food: when is it dangerous?)
When it comes to brown rice in particular, you could also search for a particular discoloration of the beans, a rancid or strange odor or an oily texture.
If you want to prolong the quality of your rice for as long as possible, be sure to store it in a dry place, such as the pantry. You can also store it in an airtight container after opening it. This way you will also protect it from insects and moisture.
To recap:
Dry white rice has a shelf life of up to 2 years, while brown rice can be kept for up to 6 months.
Signs of expired rice include:
- holes in the packaging
- insects
- humidity
- mold
Brown rice, on the other hand, can become rancid, oily, or discolored. (Wheat weevils: tricks and remedies to eradicate these insects from pasta, rice and cereals in the pantry)
How long does the cooked rice last
Contrary to dry rice, the shelf life of cooked rice is practically the same for all types of rice. Once cooked, the rice can retain its flavor, texture and quality for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Cooked rice can also be frozen for up to 8 months. But freezing is not recommended as it would lose consistency and taste. For this reason, it is not recommended to freeze risottos, for example (Read also: These 10 foods are better never to freeze them (especially potatoes and rice)
How to know if cooked rice has expired
There are a couple of ways to tell if your cooked rice has gone bad. How do you understand it? Smell it! It will have an unpleasant or strange smell. Then, take a closer look at its texture: instead of having well-formed grains, distinct from each other and fluffy, expired rice can become slimy or sticky.
Finally, check for molds, which often appear with green, blue, or black spots.
Read also: Back from holidays: beware of expired food in the pantry
What happens if you eat expired rice
Expired rice is mostly contaminated with fungi or molds, which they produce mycotoxins which can cause food poisoning.
The intake of mycotoxins is linked to symptoms which can be:
- vomiting
- nausea
- abdominal pain
- convulsions
- coma
- increased risk of cancer
- weak immune system
Also, be aware that regardless of whether the rice is out of date, improper handling of cooked rice can increase the risk of Bacillus cereus food poisoning, which often leads to abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. Bacillus cereus is a bacterium typically found in rice that can survive cooking. Therefore, if the rice is not refrigerated or frozen within 2 hours of cooking, the bacteria can produce toxic toxins.
Also read: Leftover rice could be very bad for you if you don't store it properly
Read all our articles on the rice.
Read also:
- Why eat brown rice
- How to cook rice to remove arsenic
- Eating too much rice can increase the risk of heart disease from arsenic. I study
- Rice diet: how it works, examples and what to eat
- 10 ways to reuse expired spices
