Have you ever forgotten to clean up after dinner and found out the next day that the food was still in your pots and pans? If this happens with large quantities of cooked rice left out overnight, is it still safe to eat?
It is recommended to keep cooked rice at room temperature for a maximum of 2 hours, and if the temperature exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), it should not be kept for more than an hour, as leaving it out for longer periods can lead to bacterial growth that may cause severe food poisoning.
When it comes to rice, nobody wants to throw away food, even if it’s not expensive. Therefore, knowing that you need to store your cooked rice quickly for later use, how should you go about storing it in the refrigerator or freezer? Today, we have the solutions for you.
How to Tell If Cooked Rice Has Gone Bad
Checking the smell and texture is the most effective method to identify spoiled rice, which typically emits a putrid and fermented odor, or has an unusual texture and excessive moisture.
If cooked rice starts to smell rancid or fermented, it is a sign that bacteria are multiplying on its surface and breaking down its composition, indicating that it is beginning to decompose.
Rice should have a moist texture, resulting from boiling during the cooking process, without being excessively wet or soggy.
Improperly strained rice may contain more bacteria and spoil quicker than well-strained rice, which can affect its shelf life at room temperature.
It is important to exercise caution when dealing with very dry rice as it may have exceeded its shelf life and could potentially cause illness if ingested.
Essentially, when cooked rice is stored in the refrigerator, it tends to lose moisture which could be a sign of spoilage and render it unsafe for consumption.
Can You Eat Cooked Rice That Has Been Left Out Overnight?
Consuming rice that has been left at room temperature for an extended period, such as overnight, is not recommended. The presence of harmful bacteria in the rice increases significantly after two hours, which can result in food poisoning and illness. Bacteria multiply rapidly when rice is stored below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius).
If a perishable item, such as cooked rice, is left out above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, bacteria like Bacillus Cereus can multiply almost twice every twenty minutes on its surface.
After 2 hours of leaving your cooked rice at room temperature, there is a high probability that you may experience discomfort or even infection caused by bacteria.
With the exception of shelf-stable cooked rice, all types of rice are subject to this rule. The preservation of rice grains in shelf-stable rice is achieved through a unique manufacturing process that involves the use of an emulsifier.
The utilization of glucose bacteria in this method reduces the pH level of the rice, enhancing its stability and reducing the probability of bacterial growth.
Attempting to replicate this system at home is not recommended as it involves highly specialized heating techniques and sealing methods.
When kept sealed, commercially shelf-stable rice typically has a lifespan of 2-6 months.
How Long Can Brown Rice Sit Out at Room Temperature?
It is recommended to refrigerate brown rice within 30 minutes of cooking and not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as prolonged exposure can lead to a significant increase in surface bacteria that may cause food poisoning if ingested.
When it comes to bacterial growth, there is no significant difference between brown and white rice. Both types of rice will show similar signs of spoilage such as rancid or fermented odors and grains that are slimy or brittle.
The primary differences between brown rice and white rice are in their cooking methods and nutritional content, with white rice being refined to remove most of the husk on the grain’s exterior, resulting in a distinct texture and taste.
Brown rice contains more fiber and protein due to its unrefined nature, but it also requires a longer cooking time than white rice because of its coarse exterior.
Ensure that your refrigerator is maintained at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) to store your rice appropriately.
Preferably, it is recommended to store cooked rice at a temperature range of 33-36 degrees Fahrenheit (1-2 degrees Celsius) and ensure that it is stored in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap.
Airtight containers are the optimal choice for storing rice in the refrigerator as they provide a strong barrier against bacteria in the air and prevent the rice from losing moisture.
For adequate storage using plastic wrap, put the rice in a sanitized bowl and extend the plastic cover over it, ensuring that all edges are covered and no part of the food is left uncovered.
We do not advise keeping your cooked rice uncovered in the refrigerator as it may expose the rice to airborne bacteria and promote rapid drying.
If you are lacking a container or plastic wrap, it is advisable to cover the bowl with a weighty plate to maintain its freshness for an extended period.
How Long Can Cooked Rice Be Kept In the Refrigerator?
Cooked rice can be refrigerated for a maximum of 4-6 days, but it is important to ensure that the refrigerator maintains a temperature of at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) to prevent food poisoning. Additionally, the quality of the storage container used can also impact the shelf life of the rice.
If cooked rice is kept in an airtight container and stored at a temperature range of 1-2 degrees Celsius (33-36 degrees Fahrenheit), it can remain fresh for up to six days, but if plastic wrap is used instead, it should be discarded after three to four days.
If you have excess cooked rice that cannot be consumed within the recommended time frame, it is possible to prolong its shelf life by freezing it. To prevent spoilage and freezer burn, it is important to use containers that are specifically designed for freezing or Ziploc bags. This method can extend the life of the rice for up to six months.
How Long Should You Wait Before Refrigerating Cooked Rice?
Cooked rice should be left to cool for 15-30 minutes before transferring it into a container for refrigeration.
To avoid bacterial growth, it is recommended to store cooked rice in the fridge while still warm but not steaming, and to prevent condensation and excessive heat buildup, allow it to cool before refrigeration.
When you put hot rice in a container, it can create condensation that causes the rice to become excessively moist and not fit for consumption.
Moist and damp environments are conducive to the growth of numerous bacteria, which raises the risk of foodborne illness.
Moreover, the warmth emanating from the cooked rice can potentially decrease the general temperature of your refrigerator, leading to excessive strain on its functioning and probable spoilage of other food items.
What Can Happen If You Eat Rice That’s Been Left Out For Too Long?
Stomach discomfort and diarrhea are the typical consequences of consuming rice that has been left at room temperature for an extended period. The number of bacteria present in the rice plays a crucial role in determining its impact on your health, which could result in severe outcomes like dehydration and bleeding.
While uncommon among individuals who are young and healthy, it is still possible to encounter serious consequences of food poisoning from consuming spoiled food.
Bacillus cereus is typically the cause of this, and it generally resolves on its own within a few days, causing only mild discomfort and diarrhea.
On the other hand, e. coli is a type of bacteria that can be more hazardous as it is not easily eliminated by the body and may result in excessive dehydration caused by prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, which requires medical attention if the symptoms persist for an extended period.
You can also check this video about “How Long Can Cooked Rice Be Left at Room Temperature?”
