Food - Drink
Why You Should Stop Storing Uncooked Rice In The Pantry
By CARA O'BLENESS
Rice is just about the most versatile grain you can buy, and is an excellent source of carbohydrates and other nutrients. While it's easy to make rice using the stovetop or a rice cooker in no time at all, the way you store your ingredients before cooking always matters, even for something as simple as rice.
If you store your rice in an airtight container in the pantry, you're not really doing anything wrong — but you could be doing better. An airtight container is a must, since it helps keep your rice free from moisture and pests, but if you stick that container in the refrigerator instead of a cabinet, your rice will stay much fresher for longer.
America's Test Kitchen recommends storing rice in a cool, dark location below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and the fridge meets these parameters. Stored properly, white rice has a shelf life of up to two years, while brown rice lasts for about six months, and storing your rice in the freezer will extend its shelf life by a month or two.