The standard expiration date for Japanese tasty rice

The standard expiration date for tasty rice

As rice is a perishable food, it deteriorates over time just like vegetables. Oxidation of white rice begins immediately after milling, and leaving the rice for a long period of time increases the risk of mold and insect infestation. It is best to "eat it as soon as possible" after milling, but the standard time for good eating is two weeks to one month after milling in spring and summer, and one to two months in fall and winter. Also, keep in mind that rice does not like high temperatures, high humidity, or dryness, and that there are optimal temperatures and humidity levels.

Why rice does not have an expiration date or consumption date

The reason why rice does not have an expiration or consumption date label is because rice is treated as a "perishable food" like vegetables and fruits. The Food Labeling Law stipulates that perishable foods, with some exceptions, "do not require labeling of best-before and best-consumption dates. Instead, the "milling date" is indicated on the rice bag to show how much time has passed since the rice became white.




Tidbits of knowledge (Q&A) to make your rice tasty

Rice in plastic bottles

Is the expiration date for tasty rice the same even if it is unopened?

Unopened = sealed" does not mean that the rice bag is sealed. Since rice bags are heavy, they may be damaged by air pressure inside during distribution or storage, and in most cases, with a few exceptions, small holes are made to release air. There is almost no difference in the expiration date for tasty eating even if the package is unopened.

Can the shelf life be extended if the rice is vacuum-packed?

Since deterioration of rice after milling occurs when it is exposed to air, it makes sense to vacuum-pack rice as a storage method, which can maintain freshness for over a year, but the rice will still dry out inside after two months. If you want to enjoy the taste of rice, try to consume it within 2 months.


What is the shelf life of alpha rice?

Alpha rice, also called "Alpha-ized rice," can be stored at room temperature for a longer period of time than polished rice. It is easy to cook as it can be converted into rice by simply adding hot or cold water. It is useful not only for emergency rations, but also for outdoor activities such as mountain climbing and camping.

Why does Japanese Alpha Rice have a long shelf life?

Japanese Alpha Rice is processed rice that is quickly dried after cooking to preserve its flavor. The extremely low water content and the airtight seal enable a longer shelf life.

Can I extend the time to enjoy eating rice if I don't polish it?

Brown rice oxidizes slower than white rice and retains its good taste for about six months in refrigeration and about one year in a vacuum (however, it depends on the storage environment). If you have a rice milling machine at home, you can enjoy tasty rice anytime by milling only the necessary amount of rice every day. You can also go to a rice shop and have a small amount of rice milled each time you need it.




How to cook Japanese rice for best taste

1. Sharpen the rice.
2. The taste of the same rice can vary greatly depending on how it is cooked. Let's take a look at how to cook rice in a tasty way.

How to cook Japanese rice

Once you have weighed out the full measure of new rice with a measuring cup, let's start by polishing the rice. Keep in mind that compared to old rice, new rice is softer throughout its tissue. Do not forcefully sharpen the rice. If the rice is damaged, nutrients and umami will leach out, so a sense of "washing" may be just right, especially if the rice has just been harvested. Stop when the rice is only slightly cloudy white.

It is generally said, "If the rice is new, use less water when cooking." However, even if the rice is new, it does not contain a lot of water because it is recently harvested and dried by machines. Cooking with less water may result in hard rice, so when cooking new rice, it is recommended to cook it with the usual amount of water at first and see how it turns out before making adjustments.