Is Eating Leftover Rice Really That Dangerous?
Every now and then, an old rumor about rice comes up—something along the lines of, “Leftover rice will probably make you sick, if not kill you .” Let me share the good news: You don’t have to throw out that leftover cold chicken and rice, because rice can last longer in the refrigerator than you think.
Is it dangerous to eat leftover rice?
The common rumor that leftover rice is poisonous is probably an exaggeration. Leftover rice itself is not harmful or inedible, just like other foods. While all food poisoning should be taken seriously, there are simple ways to avoid it.
More specifically, the culprit here is Bacillus cereus, whose spores can be found in a variety of leftover food , including rice, but also beans, meat, cheese, potatoes, and pasta. That’s because Bacillus cereus is widespread in the environment and is found in soil. (Fresh cucumbers often contain Bacillus cereus.) So I think it’s time we stopped calling illnesses caused by this fungus “fried rice syndrome.”
How long can you keep rice in the refrigerator?
Rice, like any other food, is best eaten under standard food safety guidelines, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Specifically, once rice is cooked, don’t leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours. Wrap it in a container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate it after that time. It will keep safely there for up to five days , or (carefully!) it can be frozen for up to three months .
Again, like any leftover food, rice needs to be reheated before eating. Do this in any way that works for you – microwave, stovetop, steamer, or soup. The goal is to get the rice to at least 145°F (64°C), safely out of the “ danger zone .” The rice will look steaming and feel hot to the touch.
How to Reheat Leftover Rice Easily and Safely
To reheat rice, I usually put the desired amount of rice in a microwave-safe bowl, add a small spoonful of water, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and reheat for about a minute. (If you’re reheating a lot of rice, it may take longer.) When I open the lid, steam will escape from the bowl and the rice will be fluffy, refreshed, and safe to eat.
Personally, I live a healthy lifestyle, sometimes breaking the rules and eating room temperature rice that has been in the danger zone. I don’t make a habit of it, and I certainly don’t advise others to do so. As for texture, I never eat cold rice from the refrigerator, nor any cold starches, because starches curdle when they cool, becoming hard and rough. Why risk bacteria and a bad taste in your mouth?
Don’t throw away leftovers, reheat rice and enjoy new possibilities with warm rice salads , tender rice dishes and exploring the vast world of beans and rice .