Should I eat cold rice left in the refrigerator for a few days?

To save food, many people have the habit of storing leftover rice in the refrigerator and sometimes keep it for quite a long time; should we eat cold rice that has been in the refrigerator for a few days?

In a busy life, saving time and money is always a priority. Therefore, many families often cook more rice than needed in one meal to save for the next meal. In other cases, housewives do not intend to cook for several meals at once but still have leftover rice for many reasons, and the leftovers are stored in the refrigerator, sometimes for many days.

Whether or not to eat leftover rice that has been kept in the refrigerator for a long time is something that many people wonder about.

Should I eat cold rice from the refrigerator?

According to nutritionists, cold rice kept in a sufficiently cold place, if properly preserved and handled, can still be eaten without harming health. However, this method should not be overused or replaced with hot rice, because it can reduce the culinary experience and affect health if not handled properly.

Many people wonder whether or not to eat cold rice kept in the refrigerator. (Photo: Parade.com)

Refrigerated rice should be consumed within 24 hours and should not be reheated repeatedly to avoid losing nutrients. If left for longer, the rice will not only be less delicious due to the effects of low temperatures but also run the risk of bacterial contamination. If you are not sure about the quality of rice that has been stored for a long time, it is best not to eat refrigerated rice but to throw it away to avoid health risks.

If you eat cold rice from the refrigerator, you need to take proper steps to preserve and reheat it.

Store cold rice properly

After cooking, you can let the rice cool naturally but no more than 2 hours before storing in the refrigerator.

Store cold rice in a tightly covered container to avoid contamination. Do not let other foods come into contact with the cold rice during storage as this can easily cause the rice to spoil.

The temperature in the refrigerator should be maintained stable, preferably below 4°C to limit bacterial growth.

Safe ways to reheat cold rice

Using a rice cooker

Rice cooker is the most popular and convenient tool for reheating cold rice. This is also the method preferred by many people because it is simple and quick.

Reheating cold rice in a rice cooker is a quick and safe method. (Photo: Lifehacker)

- Put cold rice in the rice cooker: You should spread the rice evenly so that it heats up evenly and faster, sprinkle a little water on the surface of the rice. The amount of water does not need to be too much, just one or two teaspoons, enough to create moisture and make the rice softer.

- Turn on the “cook” button and wait about 5-10 minutes depending on the amount of rice. When the rice is hot and steaming evenly, the pot will switch to “warm” mode. Note: Do not leave the rice in the keep warm mode for too long because it can dry out the rice or lose its natural flavor.

Using a microwave

Microwaves are a great way to heat up rice quickly, especially when you only need a small portion. Place the cooled rice in a microwave-safe bowl or container, sprinkle a little water on top to prevent the rice from drying out. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap to keep the rice moist (do not let the plastic wrap come into direct contact with the rice) before placing it in the microwave and pressing the start button.

Heat the rice on high power for about 1-2 minutes depending on the amount of rice, then check to see if the rice is hot enough. If not, continue heating for another 30 seconds.

Using a steamer

This method helps the rice heat evenly and retain its flavor. Boil water in a steamer, then add the cooled rice to the tray, cover and steam for about 10 minutes or until the rice is heated evenly. If you want the rice to be more delicious, steam the rice with some pandan leaves or drizzle with sesame oil.

People who should not eat cold rice

- People with stomach pain : People with chronic stomach ulcers are often malnourished due to poor digestion and absorption. Cold rice is difficult to digest, so people with a history of stomach pain should not eat it.

- Postpartum women : Postpartum women need a balanced diet, providing lots of energy to quickly recover their strength, have enough milk for breastfeeding, and at the same time must ensure food hygiene and safety. Therefore, during this period, they should not eat cold rice because the nutrition and safety are both lower.

- Elderly people and children : Due to health factors, the elderly and children are also two groups of people advised not to eat cold rice, especially not to eat cold rice that has been left in the refrigerator for several days.

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/co-nen-an-com-nguoi-de-tu-lanh-vai-ngay-172241128153457007.htm