The Proper Storage of Dry Rice

Rice is a major food staple making its proper storage a priority. According to the Giannini Foundation of Agricultural Economics, over two billion of the Asian population alone gets 60 to 70 percent of their daily calories from rice. Proper storage of rice is important to ensure its freshness. Storing rice improperly causes it draw moisture or become infested with insects. Whether it's white rice or brown rice, they each will last longer in the pantry when stored correctly.

Containers

Dry rice needs proper storage to extend its shelf life.

Air tight, food-safe plastic storage containers are needed to properly store rice. The dry rice needs to be removed from its originally packaging and placed in the air tight container.

Environment

Storage containers holding white rice are best stored in a dark or low-light environment with low humidity. The white rice will keep a good flavor up to one year; it will keep for two years but have less flavor. Containers with brown rice keep up to six months in the same environment as white rice; however if refrigerated, it will keep longer.

Considerations

Before placing the rice into storage containers, be sure to wash and dry the containers thoroughly. Tape the purchase date and the original package's cooking instructions to the storage container. Keep the older rice to the front of the pantry to be used prior to the new supply.

References

• University of California's Giannini Foundation of Agricultural Economics: Is Dust "Busting" Crop Yields?
• Michigan State University: Using and Storing Rice