Brown rice is a staple food item across the world. This has become more prominent in all continents and regions than white rice. It is also considered a healthy alternative to normal white rice by all means. Brown rice is difficult to prepare when compared to white rice as well.
Many brands of brown rice are available, and each has a different flavor and texture. However, when it comes to durability, different brands of brown rice have different timelines.
Generally, brown rice lasts up to 12 or 24 months if preserved properly.
There are more protocols for brown rice’s shelf life and storage procedure. It differs organically from type to type, and there is something you can do to preserve its flavor and texture.
It is quite natural that brown rice is prone to spoilage as time flies by. However, it does have a longer shelf life.
It does not turn bad overnight but is bound to become flavorless when stored for more than a specified timeline. It may also not get boiled that easily when it has crossed its prime time.
This article will be a nice guide to explain how long brown rice lasts and the storage protocols for the same. It is good to be aware of this information so that we can make an informed decision about preserving brown rice.
What's In The Post
How Long Does Brown Rice Last?
Dry Brown Rice
Brown rice has a shorter shelf life than brown rice, but apparently not as short as any other edible item. Brown rice contains more natural oils than white rice, which is more processed and artificial.
Many manufacturers own different types of brands when it comes to brown rice, and they claim the shelf life to be anything between 12 months and 24 months.
There is a best-by date or best-before date mentioned in the package, which actually goes to show its retention of quality until that time sets in. it does not mean that the rice has to be discarded immediately after that period.
It only means that it may have lost its prime quality by then. However, if you follow the storage protocols, retaining it longer would not be an issue.
Cooked Brown Rice
Cooked brown rice is better off in the fridge or freezer. It might last 4 to 6 days in the fridge. Keeping it at room temperature exposes the rice to risky levels.
There is a high chance that you open up opportunities for the rice to attract bacteria or microbes.
Cooked brown that has stayed out overnight is better to be discarded immediately. More than the loss of nutrition and loss of quality, there will be a potential threat of bacterial attack on the surface.
If you want to keep it for more than 5 days, latch on right ahead to the freezer, where it stays longer than you intend to preserve it.
| Type | Pantry | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Brown Rice | 3 months after best-by date | 6 months after best-by date | 12 months after best-by date |
| Cooked Brown Rice | 4 to 6 days | 6 months |
How To Store Brown Rice?
Storage protocols typically dictate how long brown rice can be stored. The below rules will apply well if you want to preserve brown rice for some time.
- Brown rice can be stored in a cool dark place.
- It can also be stationed in a kitchen cabinet which is clean and tidy.
- It is usually stored in plastic bags or covered paper boxes.
- You can transfer the contents to an airtight container with a lid.
- If you want to extend the shelf life of brown rice, then storing it in the freezer or fridge would be better.
- If you want to shove it in the freezer, using a freezer bag with a proper seal would do a lot of good.
- Airtight containers in the fridge are also a safe option.
- Cooked brown rice should be wrapped in a freezer bag or placed in an airtight container to be kept in the fridge.
- Transferring the contents to the freezer is best if you want to store them for a long time.
Can Cooked Brown Rice Be Frozen?
Cooked brown rice can be frozen without any issues. It actually freezes sooner than you think.
Cooking a bulk of brown rice and freezing it in the freezer is the faster way of consuming it. The below steps could be optimal while doing so.
- Cook the brown rice.
- Separate and split it and keep it exposed to get cool.
- Once it has been cooled completely, transfer it into freezer bags.
- Label the bag and store it in the freezer.
You can also think of airtight containers as an alternate option which works just fine like freezer bags.
Please don’t keep the cooked brown rice for more than 6 months, after which it might lose its quality slowly.
How Do You Thaw The Brown Rice?
Frozen cooked brown rice must be returned to room temperature before it is eligible for consumption. The best way is to find the perfect method to thaw it.
- You can use the microwave to thaw the brown rice. You can start with low temperature and then increase slowly.
- You can use the stovetop and the non-stick pan to add the rice until it is heated slowly.
- YOu can also place it above the bowl of hot water for some time.
How To Tell If Brown Rice Is Bad?
Uncooked Brown Rice
It is easy to identify that brown rice has turned bad. The spoilage signs are inevitable, including odd discoloration, rancid smell, breeding bugs and insects on the package, and seeping moisture.
These inevitable signs warrant immediate action of discarding the rice without a second thought. You could obviously sense the spoilage by all means, and there should be no second-guessing with regard to retaining it.
Cooked Brown Rice
When it comes to the signs of spoilage for cooked brown rice, there are some obvious indications and some differences that are difficult to spot.
- The rice, when cooked, would take a lot of time to prepare. It would not absorb water as easily as it is supposed to. There will be a retention of a chewy texture in the rice.
- If cooked rice has mold, dark coloration, and an off smell, it is better thrown out.
- Cooked rice, when kept out for a long time, is bound to develop molds on the surface.
- Breeding insects, bugs, or bacteria can also mean it is time to toss out the rice without giving any benefit of the doubt.
Can You Use The Brown Rice Beyond The Expiry Date?
Yes, you can use brown rice beyond the specified date. As usual, the date specified in the package indicates the best-by date and no expiry date.
As long as you have stored the brown rice properly and there are no signs of spoilage, the brown rice will be eligible for consumption without any hassles.
Although, checking the condition once would deem the goodness of the brown rice irrespective of its best-by date.
What Happens When You Consume Spoiled Brown Rice?
This situation is common when it comes to any food item. Consuming spoiled brown rice can open up chances for food poisoning and diseases associated with those complications.
It can lead to diarrhea, headache, stomach upset, and probably also turn fatal.
So consuming spoiled brown rice should be duly avoided without any second thought, and the rice should be thoroughly discarded.
Conclusion
Brown rice is a commonly consumed item across the world. It is a part of the mainstream diet for many, and awareness about its storage protocols alongside durability deems important.
This article clearly indicates all the information you need when it comes to storing and using brown rice properly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does brown rice last?
Brown rice has a shorter shelf life than brown rice, but apparently not as short as any other edible item. Brown rice contains more natural oils than white rice, which is more processed and artificial. Many manufacturers own different types of brands when it comes to brown rice, and they claim the shelf life to be anything between 12 months and 24 months.
How to store brown rice?
Brown rice can be stored in a cool dark place. It can also be stationed in a kitchen cabinet which is clean and tidy. It is usually stored in plastic bags or covered paper boxes.
Can cooked brown rice be frozen?
Cooking a bulk of brown rice and freezing it in the freezer is the faster way of consuming it. The below steps could be optimal while doing so. The brown rice can be cooked and keep it exposed to cool places.
How do you thaw the brown rice?
You can use the microwave to thaw the brown rice. You can start with low temperature and then increase slowly. You can use the stovetop and the non-stick pan to add the rice until it is heated slowly.
How to tell if brown rice has turned bad?
It is easy to identify that brown rice has turned bad. The spoilage signs are inevitable, including odd discoloration, rancid smell, breeding bugs and insects on the package, and seeping moisture.
