Food Safety and Storage: Risks Hidden in Everyday Choices
How Long Does Rice Last in the Fridge? And Other Pressing Rice Questions, Answered
Rice is a staple food in many cultures, and it’s easy to see why. It’s versatile, inexpensive, and can be cooked in a variety of ways. But when it comes to storing rice, there are a few things you should know to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat.
Here are some answers to common questions about rice storage:
- How long does rice last in the fridge?
Cooked rice can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To extend its shelf life, store it in an airtight container.
- Can you freeze cooked rice?
Yes, you can freeze cooked rice for up to 6 months. To freeze, let the rice cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to label and date the containers.
- How do you reheat rice?
To reheat rice, place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat it on high for 1-2 minutes, or until it’s hot all the way through. You can also reheat rice on the stovetop by adding a little water and heating it over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Can you eat rice that’s been sitting out for a while?
It’s not safe to eat rice that’s been sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly on rice, especially if it’s been cooked and cooled.
- How do you store uncooked rice?
Uncooked rice should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. It can last for several months if stored properly.
- Can you eat rice that’s past its expiration date?
Rice doesn’t have a specific expiration date, but it can lose its quality over time. If the rice has an off smell or appearance, it’s best to discard it.
A harmful ingredient hidden in vegetable juices
Vegetable juices are a great way to get nutrients without excessive calories, so they can substitute for a proportion of the actual vegetables, and without the effort of peeling, slicing or cooking.
It may seem beneficial, but experts say there can be a downside to vegetable juices. For example, many of them contain a large amount of sugar.
The Consumer Protection Center in the German state of Bavaria says that beet juices or carrots, for example, contain a lot of sugar naturally, although some sugar is often added to them.
Also, some juices contain added salt to improve the flavor. For example, a cup of tomato juice contains about a third of the salt that is recommended to be consumed daily.
Experts recommend examining the ingredients to see how much sugar or salt is in the juice one eats.
A warning to vegetarians about their danger
Vegetarians have advised vegetarians to take the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency seriously, otherwise, they may experience nerve damage, permanent (numbness) and spinal cord degeneration.
There is concern that some people consider the risk of a vitamin B12 deficiency associated with a vegetarian diet to be a myth, and therefore doctors advise them to read more information about how to obtain adequate vitamin.
However, it may take several years for a person to suffer from a major vitamin deficiency that may lead to neuropathy and damage, permanent numbness and spinal cord degeneration, according to the British newspaper The Independent.
Tom Sanders, Professor of Honorary Dietetics at King’s College London, says a study of 172 vegetarians showed that about a fifth of the participants was likely to have a “serious deficiency” of vitamin B12.
He added that he was “completely astounded” by the results of the 2003 study, expressing concern that “many vegetarians think it is a myth.”
Cautious Professor Sanders believes that a lack of this type of vitamins can be easily avoided, saying that what worries him is that many who have become vegetarians are not aware of the necessity of mixing sources of plant proteins, nor of the need to ensure that they ingest adequate amounts of vitamin B12.
The nutritionist advises that caution should be exercised, especially for women during pregnancy, lactation, and child-rearing, by ensuring that adequate micronutrients are obtained.
He warns that replacing meat with other foods like broccoli is not a good alternative as a source of protein. He said that vegetable milk is also a little protein, and should contain more vitamin B12. Vegetable milk is a general term for any milk-like product derived from plant sources.
Sanders explained that the use of nitrous oxide by young men, which is called laughing gas, can cause vitamin B12 deficiency as well, which may lead to neuropathy.