Can raw rice be frozen? - The Ultimate Guide to Storage

If you are a person who cooks rice often, you may not have encountered any problems storing it. However, for people who want to store rice for the long term without encountering problems like insects or moisture, doing so can be a real challenge.

So can uncooked rice be frozen?

Freezing uncooked rice is the best way to extend the shelf life of rice and ensure it is free of vermin. The key is to store it in an airtight and dry container. All types of rice can last up to 30 years in the freezer, except brown rice, which will last up to 18 months in cold storage. 

Read on to learn how to freeze uncooked rice and effectively store bulk rice so it keeps well for decades.

Does the rice go bad?

Although many sources will tell you that rice will keep for decades, which is true, the secret to making rice last that long is to store it properly.

Regardless of where you store it, the main thing to remember when storing rice is to keep it in a cool, dry place. Moisture will cause the rice to become moldy. Rice should also be stored in a place with a minimum of light and oxygen,

Other “contributors” to spoilage of uncooked rice are rodents and insects. Depending on where you live, rodents may not be something to worry about. Bugs, on the other hand, are something that you always have to watch out for.

How to store rice to avoid bugs

You never know when there are bugs in your rice. Bug eggs can be in the rice before you take it home or after you buy it. Unlike real bugs, you can’t see their eggs.

To make sure those eggs don’t turn into something worse , simply put the rice in the freezer for a week before storing it elsewhere . The sub-zero temperature will kill the eggs in the rice, if any.

Unfortunately, in many cases bugs can get into the rice after you bring it home. There are some steps you can take to prevent your product from being destroyed.

• Use airtight containers and close them well. All glass, steel, and plastic containers will do as long as they have airtight, sealable lids and are food grade.
• Put a couple of bay leaves in the rice containers to keep out insects.
• Place dried chiles on the shelves where you keep the rice. You can also wrap them with a cloth and put it directly in the rice container.
• Keep the pantry clean and dry.

What is the best way to store rice for the long term?

If you want to store rice for the long term, it is essential that the right conditions exist. The first thing to consider is the temperature. The recommended temperature for storing rice is 40°F (4°C) or below.

If you can’t provide a low temperature storage space for the rice, you can store it somewhere where the temperature is 70 °F (21 °C). In this case, however, you will need oxygen absorbers to prevent the rice from going bad.

So the best, and probably the easiest, way to store rice for the long term, whether white or brown, is to put it in the freezer.

Here’s why freezing uncooked rice is recommended:

• Freezing will ensure that the rice is free of vermin.
• You won’t have to worry about maintaining the right room temperature.
• You will prevent the rice from filling with dust.

How to freeze uncooked rice

Freezing rice is easy, especially if you bought it in an unopened box. Just put the box in an airtight plastic bag and freeze it.

If you’ve already used some of the rice or think you need to freeze some of it for later use, here’s how to freeze the rest of the uncooked rice:

1. Pour the rice into an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure the container or bag you use is dry.
2. If you use a container, make sure the lid closes well. If you use a plastic bag, remove as much air as possible.
3. Label the container with the date. This is especially important when freezing brown rice, as its shelf life is not as long as white rice.
4. If you use freezer bags, place them flat in the freezer to facilitate the thawing process later.

How to thaw frozen raw rice

Unlike other products that require hours of defrosting, defrosting rice is effortless . In fact, you don’t even need to if you’re in a rush to make dinner.

However, if you have the time, it’s always good to take the rice out of the freezer and let it sit on the counter for a while. This way, you won’t have to cook with frozen rice.

How long does uncooked rice last?

Storage practices are the same for all varieties of rice. You must keep the rice away from moisture, excess light and pests. If you provide the right conditions, rice will safely keep for up to three decades.

The only exception is brown rice. Its shelf life is considerably shorter compared to other varieties of rice.

Here’s how long the most common types of rice will keep based on where you store them:

White rice

White rice will last up to 5 years at room temperature and up to a decade in the fridge. Freezing will extend the shelf life of white rice by up to 30 years.

Jasmine and basmati rice

Jasmine rice and basmati rice are some of the most widely used rice varieties.

You can keep jasmine, basmati, and some other varieties in the fridge to extend their shelf life. However, proper storage conditions are enough for these rice varieties to keep for 4 to 5 years.

Like white rice, jasmine and basmati rice also last about 30 years in the freezer.

Integral rice

The shelf life of brown rice is shorter compared to other varieties of rice. The reason is the oil in the bran layer of the brown rice.

Stored at room temperature, brown rice keeps well for 3-6 months. If you want to extend its useful life up to a year, store it in the refrigerator.

Storing brown rice in the freezer is the best way to ensure that it will be safe to eat for up to 18 months.

How to store bulk rice

If you’re wondering why anyone would want to store rice in bulk, here are a few reasons:

Firstly, it is easy to store and if stored correctly you can keep rice for years.

Second, it’s a good emergency food. Being high in carbohydrates and combining well with many foods, rice is very filling. Last but not least, rice is usually quite affordable, making it a great option to stock up on.

The one variety of rice that you should never depend on for emergency food is brown rice, as it has a shorter shelf life. 

There are several ways to store bulk rice. However, if you’ve purchased rice in bulk for emergency food storage as well as daily use, it’s best to reserve some for your daily cooking needs.

If you have a large freezer, it is best to divide the bulk rice into smaller portions and store in the freezer . To freeze a large amount of rice in smaller portions you can use plastic bags. It is best to use plastic bags that you can permanently seal with a special device or with an iron and aluminum foil.

If your freezer space isn’t enough, you’ll need to store the rice at room temperature.

There are multiple methods to store rice so that it lasts longer. From airtight plastic bags to canning jars to soda bottles, you can find numerous ways to make it last for about 30 years.