How many days can cooked rice last

Boiled rice can generally be stored at room temperature for 1 day, refrigerated for 3-5 days, and frozen for about 1 month. The actual storage time is affected by factors such as storage temperature, sealing degree, and environmental humidity. In a room temperature environment, cooked rice is prone to bacterial growth, especially in hot and humid summer environments where rice may start to spoil within 6-8 hours. Bacillus cereus in rice can rapidly reproduce at suitable temperatures, producing heat-resistant toxins that cannot be completely eliminated even when reheated. It is recommended to put the unfinished rice in a shallow container and cool it down in a timely manner, and transfer it to the refrigerator for refrigeration within 2 hours.

When storing in refrigeration, it is necessary to seal with plastic wrap or use a sealed box to avoid mixing with other foods. Rice that has been refrigerated for more than 3 days will have a noticeable hardening in texture and starch will undergo aging and retrogradation. During reheating, a small amount of water can be added for steaming or microwave heating to help restore some softness. If rice is found to have a sour taste, sticky texture, or yellow color, it should be discarded immediately. Freezing storage can significantly extend the shelf life of rice, but it needs to be divided into small portions to avoid repeated thawing. After thawing, it is recommended to thoroughly heat the frozen rice to a central temperature of more than 75 degrees. It can be used with vegetables, eggs and other ingredients to make Fried Rice. Special populations such as pregnant women, infants, and those with low immunity are recommended to consume freshly cooked rice, while refrigerated rice stored for more than 24 hours should be consumed with caution.

During the storage of rice, it is important to separate the raw and cooked parts and avoid using wooden cutting boards or containers containing raw meat juice. Regularly clean the refrigerator and maintain a refrigeration environment below 4 degrees Celsius. If symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea occur after consuming stored rice, seek medical attention promptly. Reasonably planning the amount of food to be cooked, adopting the method of small portion packaging and on-demand use, can ensure food safety and reduce food waste.