{"id":8461,"date":"2023-02-08T01:33:33","date_gmt":"2023-02-08T01:33:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterfood.co\/?p=8461"},"modified":"2023-02-08T01:33:37","modified_gmt":"2023-02-08T01:33:37","slug":"how-long-can-rice-sit-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betterfood.co\/how-long-can-rice-sit-out\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Can Rice Sit Out? [A Complete Guide with Q&A]"},"content":{"rendered":"

Aromatic saffron pilaf, creamy mushroom risotto, and crispy tofu stir fry! <\/p>\n

They are delicious dishes with one common element \u2013 rice! A versatile plant food that blends into every type of dish from savory and sweet to meaty and vegan.<\/p>\n

Rice is the major source of carbs for half the world\u2019s population. This staple ingredient, particularly white rice, is an indelible part of the cuisine, festivities, and rituals in many Asian countries. <\/p>\n

If you are a rice eater or love to cook rice often, chances are there will be leftovers after a meal or two. As someone who doesn\u2019t like to waste food but is equally worried about health, you are probably wondering what to do with it.<\/p>\n

Should you throw it away as it has been lying around in the kitchen for a while now? <\/p>\n

How long can that bowl of rice sit out?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Freshly cooked rice should keep for 2 to 4 hours at ambient room temperature. <\/strong><\/p>\n

By ambient, we mean temperature below 40\u00b0F.  When the mercury rises above 40\u00b0F and beyond, this window reduces drastically.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In rice-heavy cultures, some people tend to let the food sit around for longer, even overnight. They surprisingly seem to stave off the effects of food poisoning. <\/p>\n

For many people, rice does not seem to be a likely candidate for food poisoning, unlike meat or dairy.  However, any cooked food can attract and harbor bacteria.<\/p>\n

If you ask food experts, they will shake their heads in disbelief at this practice. <\/p>\n

Is eating unrefrigerated rice dangerous?<\/em><\/p>\n

For many who eat rice daily and have culturally done it for centuries, eating leftover cooked rice is not a big deal. <\/p>\n

Someone who eats the occasional rice dish may not be accustomed to this food lifestyle, nor do their digestive issues adapt to it. Therefore, it makes no sense for them to risk falling sick. it makes no sense to risk it.<\/p>\n

An odd episode of consuming rice that has been kept at room temperature will not kill you or your family. However, feeding kids and elderly persons this rice might sicken them in a bad way.<\/p>\n

The culprit that causes this food-borne illness is the bacteria \u2013 bacillus cereus. <\/p>\n

So, what is the right way to store cooked rice?<\/em><\/p>\n

Raw rice can last indefinitely when packed and stored properly. Cooked rice has a much shorter shelf life and requires quick cooling and storing techniques to ensure it remains fresh and tasty.<\/p>\n

This guide answers all these cooked rice-related questions.  You\u2019ll find out why rice should not be left on the countertop for long.<\/p>\n

\n

How long can rice sit out?<\/h2>\n

According to USDA resources, cooked foods including rice are safe to consume for about two hours without refrigeration. Beyond this time limit, bacteria can rapidly develop in your food and lead to food-related illnesses including severe vomiting and diarrhea. <\/p>\n

Bacteria love moist foods and multiply with every hour the food is left standing at room temperature. As these microorganisms love temperatures between 4-60\u00b0C (39.2-140\u00b0F), discard cooked rice sitting out for more than two hours. <\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve read our post on how-long-can-yogurt-sit-out<\/a>, I\u2019ve explained the reasons.<\/p>\n

In short, cooked food has both a narrow temperature range and time range to prevent spilling by bacteria or mold.<\/p>\n

Refrigerate cooked rice if you plan to eat it later in the day or the next few days. Freeze this rice for up to three months and use it up before it is affected by freezer burn can occur after that. Another option is to use rice to<\/p>\n

You may also like: Is the Instant Pot dishwasher safe?<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

This guide answers all these cooked rice-related questions.  You\u2019ll find out why rice should not be left on the countertop for long.<\/p>\n

\n

Can steaming hot rice sit out for longer? <\/h2>\n

the same health principle applies to any cooked rice whether it has been freshly cooked, piping hot, or cooled down.  <\/p>\n

Eat your plain rice or rice dish as soon as it is cooked and within a couple of hours. Any longer and you\u2019re welcoming bacteria to multiply and play havoc with your digestive system.<\/p>\n

\n

How to store hot rice safely?<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re not eating the rice anytime soon, cool it down fast or keep it warm.<\/p>\n