Fried Rice

When stored in the refrigerator, fried rice can last between 5 to 7 days. However, it’s best to consume it within 2 days as that’s when it’s the most fresh. If frozen, the shelf life extends up to 6 months. However, try to consume loaded fried rice (i.e. fried rice with various vegetables and meats) within a month because the longer it's stored, it starts to lose its flavor and the texture of the added ingredients may change.

To check if the fried rice has gone bad, look for any obvious signs of mold or unusual discoloration. If it appears fine, give it a good sniff; the smell of spoiled rice can be quite off-putting with a slightly sour or musty scent. If you're still unsure, take a small bite; spoiled rice may taste sour or have an unacceptable texture. Remember, if you're in doubt, it's better to be safe and discard it.

• Always cool it thoroughly before storage. The faster the rice cools down, the better it is to prevent bacterial growth. • Store fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it from drying out, and consume it within 2 days for best taste. • Don't store rice at room temperature for more than an hour or so - bacteria can start to multiply rapidly in this environment. • If you want to store it for longer, freeze it. Place in a freezer-friendly container, leaving a little empty space for the rice to expand as it freezes. • Defrost frozen rice in the fridge overnight, or to speed things up, use the defrost setting on your microwave. • For best results when reheating, sprinkle a little water over the rice to replace the moisture that was lost during refrigeration or freezing. • Always reheat rice thoroughly, until piping hot, to kill any potential bacteria or spores. • Remember not to reheat fried rice more than once.