Is it good to refrigerate rice? How long can rice be stored?

Rice is made from rice – a common dry ingredient in Vietnam. Recently, there has been much speculation about the consumption of cold rice, especially when refrigerated, potentially causing poisoning and even stomach cancer if maintained for a long time. In Vietnam, many people still have the habit of reusing cold rice. This information has raised concerns, especially given the increasing prevalence of stomach cancer. So, is it good to refrigerate rice? Let’s find out with Kamereo in the following article!

Table of Contents

1. Is it good to refrigerate rice?
2. Is it good to eat cold rice refrigerated?
3. How long can refrigerated cold rice be stored?
4. Proper scientific storage of cold rice
5. How to reheat cold rice for refrigeration
6. Harmful effects of improper cold rice storage
7. Conclusion

Is it good to refrigerate rice?

According to Dr. Truong Hong Son, director of the Institute of Applied Medicine, there is no evidence that eating cold rice increases the risk of cancer. The doctor warns people not to believe baseless rumors on social media platforms. Cold rice, when refrigerated, can still be consumed without harming health if properly stored.

However, to ensure safety when eating cold rice, Dr. Truong Hong Son emphasizes the need for proper storage. If not stored correctly, the food can spoil and cause digestive disorders or poisoning.

In addition, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Duy Thinh – a food technology expert – also confirms that eating cold rice stored in the refrigerator does not cause cancer. Different types of cancer have different causes. Chemicals and mold inside food have been proven to cause cancer. Therefore, microorganisms from spoiled cold rice can only cause poisoning.

Moreover, Dr. Nguyen Duy Thinh recommends that families store rice in the refrigerator for no more than 1 week. The reason is that reheated rice may lose most of its nutrients if stored for too long.

Is it good to eat cold rice refrigerated?

Cold rice contains a higher resistant starch content than freshly cooked rice. This is a type of indigestible fiber. However, resistant starch can be fermented in the digestive tract by certain types of bacteria. When beneficial bacteria develop, they outcompete and eliminate harmful bacteria, positively affecting the digestive system.

Furthermore, the fermentation process produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), affecting two hormones – glucagon-1 (GPL-1) and peptide YY (PYY) – regulating human appetite. These hormones are also known as anti-diabetes and anti-obesity hormones. Due to their ability to improve insulin sensitivity, they regulate blood sugar levels and reduce fat accumulation in the abdominal area.

How long can refrigerated cold rice be stored?

The duration of storing cold rice in the refrigerator is a common concern. According to experts’ recommendations, rice stored in the refrigerator, at an ideal temperature of 4 to 5 degrees Celsius, can be kept for about 24 hours. However, storing rice in the refrigerator for too long can lead to degradation and affect the digestive system.

In the case of room temperature (25 to 30 degrees Celsius), rice can only be stored for about 6 hours. After this time, the rice may start to spoil, develop an unpleasant odor, and become sour and clumpy.

Proper scientific storage of cold rice

Rice is a familiar food in Vietnamese meals. However, if not stored correctly, cold rice can spoil, mold, and harm health. Here are scientific ways to store cold rice:

Step 1: If not all the rice is consumed, cover it and let it cool for a while.

Step 2: Once the rice has cooled, place it in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. This prevents the intrusion of bacteria and mold, ensuring longer storage.

Step 3: Storing cold rice

• Refrigeration: Cold rice can be refrigerated for about 24 hours. Before eating, simply take the rice out of the refrigerator and reheat it using a microwave or steamer.
• Freezing: Cold rice can be frozen for about 3 – 4 days. When eating, thaw the rice before reheating.

Note when storing cold rice:

• Never store cold rice at room temperature for more than 6 hours.
• Do not store spoiled or moldy cold rice.
• Do not reheat cold rice multiple times.

How to reheat cold rice for refrigeration

Reheating with an electric rice cooker is the simplest and most convenient method. Place the rice in the rice cooker, add a few milliliters of water, press the Cook button, and wait for the rice to heat up. If using a regular pot, apply the water bath method. Place a stainless steel rack inside the pot, add water, place the rice bowl on the rack, and cover the lid. Then, ignite the flame and wait for the rice to heat up.

In case you have a microwave, you can use it to save time. First, place a piece of ice on the rice bowl, wrap it in plastic wrap and poke a small hole for steam to escape. Then, set the microwave to start, and you’ll have hot rice without drying it out.

Harmful effects of improper cold rice storage

In reality, leaving cold rice for a long time can produce toxins due to starch being the main component of rice. When heated to around 60 degrees Celsius, starch undergoes a process called “starch retrogradation,” affecting the digestive system. Additionally, after a long period, rice may develop an unpleasant odor and form Bacillus cereus bacteria, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea if consumed.

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Conclusion

Hopefully, this article helps answer the question of whether refrigerating rice is good. Although eating cold rice does not harm the body, it is advisable to limit its consumption and reheat it before use. Follow the Food Tips section for more useful information!