Brown rice is one of the most common food items in most homes across the globe.
It has traditional values in many parts of the world while holding a big significance in most countries. So much crucial that many people question how long does brown rice last?
It remains intact for many months and, if stored properly, even lasts for years. But another question that emerges is how you should store it properly.
As we know, rice is an essential food item and needs little sweat to prepare, keeping its quality intact becomes a crucial point of concern.
If this concern is part of your agenda, then this article is the best place to start.
Rice comes in varieties, and brown rice is among the top nutritional sources and contains more carbohydrates than oatmeal. It would be best if you learn how to preserve it for long and avoid your brown rice from going bad.
Does Brown Rice Go Bad? How Long Does Brown Rice Last?
The period for which brown rice can last depends on several factors. Brown rice lasts significantly lesser than white rice because of its high natural oil content.
However, if stored in a correct way, brown rice can last anywhere between 12 to 24 months.
So what is the shelf life of brown rice? Well, packaging and temperature play a crucial part in determining the shelf life of brown rice.
Every pack comes with a best before date, and if your pack is running past it, there should not be any problem, as brown rice mostly stays fit to eat even before that date.
Then there is a different rule of storage for cooked rice as well, where you would want to keep it in a freezer to get a maximum of six days of shelf life. You may also avoid storing at room temperature to prevent bacteria growth.
Tip: If you leave cooked food at room temperature for more than two hours, chances of it going bad rises to 90%, and you should avoid consuming it.
Bizarre as it may seem, but microwave and heat treatment can also enhance the shelf life of brown rice. A study by ResearchGate shows that this process stabilizes brown rice and, at the same time, retains the nutritional benefits of brown rice.
Apart from providing health benefits, brown rice is a star in many recipes. For instance, you can blend it with quinoa, or have a delicious sweet and salty brown rice granola anytime at home.
How to Tell if Brown Rice is Bad? Brown Rice Shelf Life!
Brown rice contains lots of fat, which makes it more vulnerable and spoils faster than white rice. However, there are other signs, as well.
Odd discolorations and molds are one of the common signs, which make it very crucial to store your brown rice in an airtight container.
Another sign that your brown rice has gone bad is the off smell it produces. If you experience a strong unpleasant odor from your brown rice, you might want to throw it immediately. Rancid brown rice can cause digestion problems if you consume it.
Insects can ruin most food products, and your brown rice is not safe as well. However, they provide a perfect indication that your brown rice has gone bad, and you should get rid of it.
You might not want to eat them or their eggs, won’t you?
But all these signs and causes are common for any food product, and timely inspection of them is the best way to preserve them.
However, if you notice any signs of brown rice going bad, it would be best to get a new pack.
Does Brown Rice Go Bad? How Long Does Brown Rice Last?
Ingredients
- Brown rice
- Air-tight containers
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).