Did you make rice lately, have some leftover and think you’d store it in the fridge to have again the next day? Take care! 😱 Leaving cooked rice exposed can put you at risk for foodborne illness without your knowing. Today, I’ll tell you why keeping rice without following this rule can put you at risk, what actions to take to avoid problems and the right method for keeping it safe and tasty.
Since rice, a main food in so many cuisines, can harbor bacteria if you don’t handle it correctly after cooking. Be sure to keep this data in mind since it can keep your family healthy and safe as you eat.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO MY PLACE!
WHY AVOID LEAVING COOKED RICE ON THE COUNTER IF YOU NOT SURE OF THIS?
Rice remains at risk for bacteria after cooking which makes leaving it out at room temperature too long a concern. The reason is that Bacillus cereus, a bacteria found in rice, survives being heated and starts to multiply when rice is left uncovered or outside the fridge for a long time.
Eating polluted rice can cause a number of symptoms.
Nausea 🤢
Vomiting 🤮
Abdominal pain
Acute diarrhea happens quickly 💨
One astonishing fact is that the symptoms might occur just one hour after eating rice and a lot of people don’t see a link at first.
🔬 Here’s how to store your rice safely.
Every time you make rice and have leftovers, be sure to use these steps.
It’s important to transfer your dough to the fridge within an hour of making it.
The bacteria can cause serious problems once they start reproducing, so the operation must be completed on time.
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.
Ensure you use the product within 24 to 48 hours after receiving it. No longer.
Heat your rice to ensure it is more than 70°C while reheating it.
Avoid reheating the leftovers more than one time.
🟨 IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
White, brown and jasmine rice all face the same problem.
Bacteria do not alter the rice smell or taste, hence it is necessary to treat rice with care.
Because the toxin made by Bacillus cereus bacteria survives heat, reheating does not remove it.
📝 BONUS RECIPE: FREEZER INSTRUCTIONS
You’ve got this! Just use the steps I’ve listed here.
Follow the directions above to quickly cool the rice.
Cut it into small segments.
Store your food in bags or containers that are safe for the freezer.
Put the date on the label.
After freezing, it should be eaten within a month.
Don’t keep food being defrosted out at room temperature. Either cook it in the microwave or on the stove until it is perfectly hot.
💬 CONCLUSION
Placing cooked rice away after not following the proper information can lead to serious effects. Yet, by practicing these few steps, you can eat it safely.
Cooking is only part of the task… you should also know how to keep your food fresh.