How-To Guide: Long-Term Rice Storage: Ensuring 30 Years of Freshness

Whether you’re preparing for emergencies or simply want to ensure a long-term food supply, here’s a step-by-step guide to storing bulk rice for 30 years.

RICE STORAGE

Choosing the Right Rice:
1. White Rice:
  1. White rice has a longer shelf life compared to brown rice due to its lower oil content.
  2. Choose a high-quality, long-grain variety for better durability.
    1. Long-grain White Rice.
    2. Basmati Rice.
    3. Jasmine Rice.
  3. Parboiled rice also has a long shelf-life.
Preparing Rice for Storage:
1. Kill Bugs (Weevil) Eggs:
  1. Freeze Rice for 3 Days.
  2. May be unnecessary if you use Oxygen Absorbers.
2. Ensure Dryness:
  1. Only store completely dry rice to prevent mold or bacterial growth.
  2. Sun-dry rice or use a dehydrator if necessary before packaging.
For Bulk Rice:
1. Mylar Bags with Oxygen Absorbers:
  1. 5 Gallon Mylar Bags can hold 20-30 pounds rice.
  2. Place rice in Mylar bags designed for long-term storage.
  3. Add Oxygen Absorbers to eliminate oxygen and prevent oxidation.
  4. Press out as much oxygen as possible.
  5. Use a straightening iron or regular iron to seal the Mylar bags.
Place Mylar-bagged Rice into Pest-proof Containers:
1. Use Airtight Containers for the Outer Container:
  1. Choose food-grade HDPE plastic or metal containers with a tight-sealing lid.
  2. 5 Gallon buckets work best for nulk storage.
  3. Ensure containers are free from cracks or damage to maintain a proper seal.
  4. Lids with gaskets work best.
2. Opaque Containers keep out light.
  1. Pro Tip: You can color-code your buckets for better organizarion.
    1. Watch our [Video] on Color-Coding your Preps!
    2. White = Carbs
    3. Black = Proteins
    4. Blue = Drinks/Water
Sealing and Labeling:
1. Seal Containers Properly:
  1. Use a rubber mallet to ensure a tight seal on the containers to prevent air and moisture infiltration.
  2. Use silicone or rubber gaskets for added protection.
2. Label with Date and Type:
  1. Clearly mark the storage date on each container.
  2. Don’t forget to include cooking instructions inside the bucket.
  3. Download our Labels for better labeling! (Members Only)
Ideal Storage Conditions:
1. Temperature and Humidity Control:
  1. Store rice in a cool, dry place with consistent temperatures.
  2. Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations to prevent condensation.
  3. Best Storage Temp = <40oF, Good = <70oF
Regular Monitoring and Rotation:
1. Check Containers Periodically:
  1. Inspect containers for signs of damage or compromised seals.
  2. Replace any damaged containers immediately.
2. Rotate Stock:
  1. Implement a FIFO (first in, first out) system to use older stock first.
  2. Regularly check expiration dates and replace if necessary.

Shelf Life: When properly sealed and stored, polished white rice will store well for 25 to 30 years.
Use From Storage: After opening use rice within one to two years.

SHOW NOTES:

Storing White Rice: Utah State University

“Families should store about 300 lbs of grains per person in a one-year supply. Depending on personal preference, about 25 to 60 lbs of rice should be stored per person.”

“Store rice in a tightly sealed container (see more details on how to store rice long-term). Food safe plastics (PETE) containers, glass jars, #10 cans (commercial size) lined with a food-grade enamel lining and Mylar®-type bags work best for long-term storage. Use food-safe oxygen absorbers [Bj5] available from food storage supply stores to preserve rice quality, and protect from insect infestation. #10 cans will hold approximate 5.7 lbs (2.6 kgs) of polished rice.”

“The best temperature to store grains, including rice, is 40°F or below; however, rice stored at a constant 70° F with oxygen absorbers will store well for up to 10 years. In cooler storage areas rice sealed in oxygen-free containers can be stored for up to 30 years. A BYU study sampling polished rice and parboiled rice stored from 1 to 30 years found that both types of rice will keep their nutrients and flavor up to 30 years.”

“What is the best kind of rice for long term storage?
When properly sealed and stored, polished white rice will store well for 25 to 30 years.”

Valley Food Storage: Storing Rice for Long Term Food Storage, From Selection to Storage

“White rice, such as basmati, jasmine, and your standard grocery store rice, can be kept for four to five years if left alone in its original packaging. If frozen or stored away in tight containers like mylar bags or mason jars, white rice can last for 30 years. Wild rice also has an impressive shelf life. “

RICE STORAGE

SHOW NOTES:

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