Rice is the most loved staple food in Indian households because it is versatile, affordable and easy to cook. When it comes to weight loss, rice often gets a bad reputation. Many people believe that rice is a high calorie, high carb food which can ruin their weight loss journey. But is rice really bad for weight loss? The answer isn’t as simple as “yes” or “no.” Instead, it depends on the type of rice you choose and how you fit it into your diet.
While white rice is less nutritious, has high carbs and can spike blood sugar levels, other varieties of rice offer plenty of health benefits and can actually help in weight loss. If you are wondering which rice is best for weight loss, have a quick look into this blog where we explore the best rice for weight loss, why these types of rice are better options and how to include them in your diet.
The right container plays an important role in storing rice. If you’re wondering how to store rice to keep it fresh, the key is using airtight containers. These containers prevent moisture, air and pests from entering the rice. Plastic, glass or stainless-steel containers with tight-fitting lids work best for this purpose. Make sure the container is clean and dry before transferring your rice. Avoid using containers that have been previously exposed to moisture or food oils, as this can lead to the formation of fungus
It is essential to store rice in a cool & dry place. Rice can be kept at room temperature, away from heat sources like stoves, ovens or direct sunlight. High temperatures can degrade the rice quality quickly, while humidity can cause mold growth and attract insects.
In most Indian homes, rice is commonly stored in a pantry, cupboard or even a separate grain storage area. Ensure that the place where you store rice is well-ventilated, dry and away from heat. Direct sunlight or excessive warmth can cause rice to lose its natural flavor and texture, while moisture makes it susceptible to spoilage.
Vacuum sealing is one of the most effective methods. Vacuum-sealed bags remove all the air around the rice, preventing moisture or oxygen from causing spoilage. This helps preserve the rice’s freshness for a much longer time, often up to a year or more, depending on the type of rice and the storage conditions.
If you buy rice in bulk, divide it and make multiple smaller portions. Vacuum sealing those individual smaller portions can help keep the rest of your stock fresh while allowing you easy access to smaller quantities.
If you’re storing rice for several months or more, oxygen absorbers are the best options to protect your rice. These will help in absorbing the oxygen inside sealed containers or bags, preventing oxidation, mold growth and pest infestations. Oxygen absorbers are especially useful for large quantities of rice that will be stored for longer periods.
For those storing rice in Mylar bags, adding an oxygen absorber for every 5-6 kg of rice can make a big difference in maintaining its quality. It will keep your rice safe from pests and spoilage for longer periods.
When figuring out how to store rice for a long time, it’s important to understand that different varieties of rice have varying shelf lives. White rice, like basmati, kolam, sona masoori lasts for upto 2 years whereas brown rice has shorter shelf life of up to 6 months. Since brown rice contains its bran layer and oil content. The oil in brown rice makes it more prone to spoilage.
If you’re planning for long-term storage, consider opting for white rice varieties which are better suited for extended storage periods.
Wondering how to store rice to prevent bugs? Even with the best storage methods, rice can sometimes attract pests such as rice weevils and moths. It’s important to check your rice stock periodically for signs of spoilage or infestations. If you see any holes in the packaging or smell something unusual, inspect the rice thoroughly.
If you find any pests or spoiled rice, discard the affected portion immediately and check the rest of your stock. To prevent insects from infesting your rice, many Indian households use natural repellents like bay leaves, neem leaves & onions, which are placed in rice containers. These natural ingredients emit a fragrance that repels pests without affecting the quality of rice.
Freezing is another great option to store rice. Freezing rice kills any potential insect eggs or larvae, ensuring that your rice remains pest-free. Place rice in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag and freeze it.
When you plan to cook, allow the rice to return to room temperature before opening the container to prevent condensation that can form inside, which could affect its quality.
Now that you know how to store rice for a long time, you can make sure your rice stays fresh, free from pests and full of flavor. By using airtight containers, oxygen absorbers and following these simple storage tips, your rice will be ready to use whenever you need it.
At Keshar Kali, we are committed to providing high-quality rice and our packaging ensures that your rice stays in the best condition possible, whether for short-term or long-term storage.
