Expiration & Storage Tips
When does instant brown rice expire?
In a cool, dark pantry, unopened instant brown rice will typically last about 2 to 3 years past the printed date on the package. Once it's been opened, it should be used within 1 year. If you've prepared a batch at home, leftover cooked brown rice can be kept in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 days. For longer storage, instantly cooked brown rice can be frozen for up to 6 months.
How do you tell if instant brown rice is bad?
You'll know the instant brown rice has gone bad if it develops an unpleasant or rancid smell. It could also change in color, usually into a darker shade. For cooked brown rice, the texture may be overly dry, hard or slimy which can indicate that it's spoilt. Always trust your senses. If it smells off or looks different, it's safe to say you should discard it.
Tips for storing instant brown rice to extend shelf life
• Keep unopened instant brown rice in a cool, dark pantry. Avoid areas near the stove or oven as heat can affect its quality.
• Once opened, transfer the instant brown rice into an airtight container to prevent bugs and moisture.
• Leftover cooked brown rice should be cooled quickly within two hours of cooking. To do this, spread it out on a wide dish to allow it to cool faster before storing in the refrigerator.
• Freezing instant brown rice can extend its shelf life. To freeze cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool, then put in a freezer bag. This way, you can easily grab the amount you need without thawing the whole bag. To defrost, heat it in the microwave or stir-fry till hot.