Have you let rice 🍚 sit in the fridge after cooking it, planning to use it the next day? Do not forget! 😮 Even though cooked rice looks safe, keeping it the wrong way can harm your health. This letter is to explain the danger of improper rice storage, what actions you can take to keep it right and how to keep your rice safe and tasty.
Rice, a key ingredient in so many meals around the world, may become a home for dangerous bacteria if it’s not kept safe after being cooked. This is important because it helps protect your family while you get to enjoy your meals.
LET’S GET THINGS UNDERWAY!
❌ WHY NOT TO KEEP COOKED RICE UNLESS YOU REMEMBER THIS.
Once cooked, rice is no longer safe after sitting out at room temperature for too long. That’s why, if the rice is left standing or doesn’t cool down properly, it might lead to Bacillus cereus growth, as this bacteria is not eliminated by cooking.
You might experience certain issues after eating rice that has been contaminated.
Nausea 🤢
Vomiting 🤮
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea that develops very quickly
Among the surprising facts, rice can trigger these symptoms just one hour after being eaten and a lot of people usually overlook the possibility that rice is involved.
🔬 Here’s how to store your rice safely.
Always follow this method whenever you cook rice and end up with leftovers.
Within one hour of baking, remove the food from the counter or oven.
After this time, bacteria may begin to multiply.
Spray the rice onto a big tray or leave it in an exposed container to let it cool quicker.
After the pot has cooled down (within 1 hour), keep it in a sealed container and refrigerate immediately.
Eat the food within 24 to 48 hours. No longer.
Be sure that the rice is very hot, more than 70°C, when you reheat it.
Avoid reheating the leftovers more than one time.
🌓 KEY FACTS TO KNOW
There is no difference in risk for white, brown or jasmine rice.
Since bacteria do not change the way rice tastes or smells, it is necessary to manage it properly.
Reheating does not solve the problem, because the Bacillus cereus bacteria continues to make the toxic substance.
👀 BONUS TIP: WHAT DO I DO IF I WANT TO FREEZE IT?
Don’t worry! All you have to do is follow these steps.
Carry out the cool-down procedure immediately as discussed before.
Cut it into small segments.
Store your food in bags or containers that are safe for the freezer.
Date the photograph or container.
It is safe to store it in the freezer for up to 30 days.
🚫 Don’t leave thawing food out on the counter. Heat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s really hot.
💬 CONCLUSION
Cooked rice kept without understanding this can cause serious problems. Just remember to do these simple things and you can enjoy it safely.
Knowing how to cook well is important, but storing your cooking correctly is important too!
