Where do you store your brown rice?

[emilyn]

Do you keep it in the freezer? I saw that last night on Good Eats. Is it really necessary? Are there other grains I should be keeping in the freezer?

[Canice]

I've heard that too. We keep several varieties on hand and don't run through it particularly fast (a few months?). I just keep it in the cupboard and it's never been "off". Not saying you shouldn't keep it in the freezer, but in response to your question...ain't happening.

[bobmark226]

It would be lovely if we could all live in Alton's Ideal World, but....

I use mostly brown, just store in tightly sealed jars on kitchen shelves, keep it for moderate lengths of time because I use so many varieties. Quite honestly, cheap as the stuff is, I'd hate to waste the valuable freezer space. On the rare occasions it went bad, I could tell right away anyway, because it's buggy.

Bob

[jtoepfert100]

If I kept everything in the freezer that I have read I should, I'd have to have about 14 freezers in my house! Rice stays in the cupboard.

[wallycat]

Mine is in the freezer or fridge.
If I buy a 2pound bag, I just put it in the veggie bin of my fridge. If I buy through my co-op and get 5#, it goes in the freezer.

They say brown rice is fine for 2-3 months without it going rancid so if you use it up in that time, it shouldn't matter. Some people only use it for special recipes so freezer would be ideal.

I agree....I initially got my freezer for keeping grains and slowly, all the good "on sale" stuff took over :rolleyes:

Eating rancid stuff won't make you sick, it just causes more free-radicals in the body. I figure with all the vitamins/plant antioxidants I eat, maybe I'm even :p

[sneezles]

I keep mine in the freezer because I have to travel so far to get the good stuff that it's worth the freezer space...and I've enough damage from free radicals to deal with already! :p

[at828]

Not to highjack, but do you all keep your WW Flour in the fridge/freezer? I've always kept mine in the pantry, but finally read the side and it said to put it in the fridge or freezer.

[Sami]

I keep mine in a canister and it has stayed fine for whatever length of time I have had it. I use it until it gets low and then refill the canister again. My 2 freezers are stuffed to the gills, and there is no room for stuff like rice.

Sami

[Ohioan]

I keep my brown rice in glass jars on the kitchen counter, away from the stove and refrigerator, but not too far from the sink. It keeps fine.

Oh, and I always stick a couple of bay leaves in the jars where I keep grains. Supposedly, they repel bugs.

Cheers,
Phoebe

[Kingwell]

I admit, I keep just about everything longer than it's supposed to last--produce, grains, nuts, etc.

Now I had some nuts go bad, so I keep all of them in the freezer. Grains, however, I've never had a bad experience taste-wise anyway (except flaxseed which I keep in the fridge). Moths, yes. Rancid, no, so I just keep my grains in Ball jars on shelves out of the sun.

I have read the same advice on WW flour, but again, I keep so many varieties (in case a baking fit takes a hold at any minute, I want to have every option on hand--my little personal compulsion) like whole wheat, a whole wheat/regular mix, and bread flour, that I just wouldn't have space in the freezer for the frozen stuff if I used it for flours and grains, so I roll the dice. So far, no problems, but now that I've said that I've probably totally jinxed myself.

[stacy7272]

Yup - freezer space is a hot commodity! I do keep a bag of WW flour and all nuts in the freezer but other things will have to make due in the pantry.

My poor bread flour - but I don't use it enough to justify the space in the freezer yet at the same time that makes it more in need of going into the freezer...AAAAHHHH. I usually just end up buying a new bag of bread flour every time I need it!

[springsgourmet9]

How do I get rid of moths in the kitchen. I checked every box/bag of rice and nuts and cannot figure it out. I hate to throw away everything and start fresh. Any suggestions? Also, should I keep natural brown rice in the freezer from now on if not used completely when opened?

[BlakeC]

I keep mine in an airtight glass canister

[bobmark226]

From the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and an answer to several of the preceding questions re prevention and control if infested. (BTW, I use Phoebe's bay leaf trick. Works for me.)

Bob

********

Pantry Pest Prevention

The following tips may be useful:


Purchase food in package sizes that can be used up in a short time. Do not store food products more than two to four months, if possible. Use older packages before newer ones and opened packages before unopened ones.

When purchasing packaged foods, be certain containers are not damaged and seals are intact.

Store dried foods in insect-proof containers such as screw-top glass, heavy plastic or metal containers. This will prevent entry or escape of insects. Cardboard, paper or plastic wrapping will not prevent insect infestations.
Keep food storage areas clean and do not allow crumbs or food particles to accumulate, as exposed food will attract insects. Cleanliness is especially important in areas where pet foods and birdseed are stored.

Control of All Stored Food Pests

Inspection and identification of all potential food sources is essential to controlling the infestation. Control requires locating and discarding all infested items. Do not overlook intact boxes or containers because many insects can chew their way into cardboard and foil.

Infested items can be thrown away or salvaged by freezing three to four days. Food can be heated in a 140ºF oven for an hour with the same result. Empty and thoroughly vacuum cupboards or shelves holding infested items, paying particular attention to cracks and corners. Vacuuming picks up hiding insects and spilled or infested material. Empty the vacuum cleaner or discard the vacuum cleaner bag after use to prevent reinfestation.

Do not use insecticides for controlling these or other insects in pantry areas. Washing shelves with detergent, bleach, ammonia or disinfectants will not have any effect on these pests since these insects lay their eggs on suitable food. Removing infested items and thoroughly cleaning with a vacuum is usually sufficient. As a precaution against reinfestation, store susceptible foods in tightly sealed glass, metal or heavy plastic containers or in the refrigerator or freezer.

[springsgourmet9]

Thanks so much, Bob, for the info.

I try to buy brown rice and nuts which is healthier but I will definitely keep them in airtight containers from now on.

My kitchen was totally redone a year ago with granite and all stainless appliances and I'm freaked out by the moths. Thanks again!

[Curleytop]

You need a FOODSAVER! Had since they first came out about 10 years ago or more, and replaced it with a new one a while ago. I have the JAR SEALER (it came with the old appliance, but are now a special extra thing to buy). It fits all sizes of Kerr canning jars (wide mouth) and they have a jar sealer for the small mouth as well.
I seal all my grains in the ½ Gal. jars. I use the pint and ½ pint
to seal cut green pepper, portions of large onions, and put it in the fridge. Nuts are sealed and put in the pantry with the baking stuff.