Can i store cooked rice (and quinoa) in the fridge?

WantToBeSE · 18 February 2015 at 5:27PM

I am hoping to save myself some time by making a big bowl of rice or quinoa and storing it in a bowl in the fridge, so that i can use it in my lunches during the week.

Is it safe to do this? Can i reheat it ok?

[Deleted User] · 18 February 2015 at 5:48PM

You can only store cooked rice for about 24 hours without running the risk of it developing an organism (I don't know its name) that can give you a nasty tummy upset, in the fridge that is. I believe it's fine to cook and freeze rice as long as you use it up within a day of defrosting, hope that helps, Lyn xxx.

WantToBeSE · 18 February 2015 at 6:00PM

Thanks Lyn, do you know if the same applies to quinoa?
Sounds like its not worth risking it with rice then, that's a shame as it would save me so much time!

After some googling, it seems that quinoa lasts up to 5 days in the fridge. I'll rely on that more than the rice then i think, and just do the rice on a Sunday night for the Monday, and maybe Wednesday night for the Thursday.

Haffiana · 18 February 2015 at 6:05PM

Yes, it is safe as long as you cool the cooked rice as quickly as possible and then put it straight in the fridge. The toxins from Bacillus cereus typically become a problem when rice is left warm or even at room temperature.

If you do this then it is fine for a few days in the fridge whatever the Daily Mail says. I wouldn't personally eat it after 3 days as I find it starts to taste a bit funny. You also need to be a bit careful how you store it in your lunchbox - it needs to go into a fridge when you get to work.

WantToBeSE · 18 February 2015 at 6:17PM

Thanks Haffiana

I normally get home at lunchtime, so no worries about storing it at work. I'll just keep it in the fridge at home.

cherryblossomzel · 18 February 2015 at 6:47PM

I store rice quite happily for several days in the fridge. As Haffiana said, it's important to cool it quickly. It's not the bacterium that can cause trouble, but rather a toxin that the bacteria might produce, which they can't do if cooled down quickly.

Ben84 · 22 February 2015 at 11:53AM

Have you tried cooking rice in the microwave? It's quick and reliable. Just rinse it, put it in a container with plenty of boiling water and cook on full for about 8-10 minutes. First time you have to check a bit, but once you know how long it takes, it's the exact same every time after that. Making rice is now about as easy as making coffee, and it comes out perfect every time.

Owain_Moneysaver · 22 February 2015 at 1:01PM

You could freeze it in portions; a portion would defrost and reheat quite quickly in the microwave.

WantToBeSE · 22 February 2015 at 2:13PM

Thanks for the tips, but i don't own a microwave.

How would i cool the rice down quickly? I have done it with quinoa for the last few days, and its been fine.

Farway · 22 February 2015 at 3:29PM

Under a running cold tap perhaps?

theoretica · 22 February 2015 at 4:10PM

I cook lots of rice at once - leave the pan with the lid off to start cooling for a few minutes, then dish it out into individual portions and put them straight in the fridge to finish cooling and eat them over the next 2-3 days (and some in the freezer if I have made lots). I haven't yet had an upset tummy from this.