How to Store White Rice from Weevils
Weevils are the problem with rice that has been stored for a long time. When cooked, it no longer has a delicious taste. Also so nutritional value and natural flavor are reduced. So how can we prevent weevil attacks? Let’s refer to and apply the following methods of how to store white rice.
1. What are weevils?
Rice weevils are insects that harm grains including wheat, rice and corn. They reduce the nutritional value and deliciousness of grains.
Many people think that rice stored for a long time will produce weevils. But this is not true. Because rice weevils have been there since we bought the rice. It is only when we leave the rice for a while that the weevils hatch and crawl out to eat the rice grains. So we can see them.
For newly infected rice, the weevils have not hatched yet. So cooking the rice will not affect the nutritional quality of the rice. But for rice that has been eaten by termites, the quality and flavor of the rice will be significantly reduced.
Some reasons lead to weevils in rice
Leaving rice in direct sunlight, or places with too much humidity can affect the quality of the rice. Worse, the rice can become dry and crumbly and cannot be cooked. Another reason that few people pay attention to is cleaning the rice box but not letting it dry completely. They put rice in, this is no different from creating conditions for weevils to grow.
2. How to store White Rice from weevils
Rice is a highly hygroscopic food. Therefore, you need to store it in a cool, dry place. Do not store rice in places with high humidity or direct sunlight. Sunlight and humidity can cause rice to lose quality, or lose its flavor and nutritional content. Here are some methods to use for more effect of storing white rice.
Store Rice with garlic
Garlic has the effect of preventing weevils. So the rice you buy and store for a long time will be completely clean and safe. In addition to limiting weevil attacks, garlic also helps to maintain the quality of rice to the maximum.
First, put the rice in a plastic box or a large container with a lid. Then, take a few cloves of garlic, peel them, and put the garlic on top of the rice. Depending on the size of the rice box, you can increase or decrease the amount of garlic. After adding the garlic, close the lid tightly.
Preserve Rice with chili
People not only use chili to enhance the deliciousness of meals but also use it to repel weevils in rice. The spicy smell of chili will make the weevils uncomfortable and leave. How to do that? Cut chili in half, remove the seeds and put them in the rice box.
Store White Rice with salt
In addition to preserving with garlic, salt also has the effect of “eliminating” weevils from rice. Weevils will be afraid of the salt and leave. Sprinkle a little salt evenly into the rice box. However, do not abuse too much salt because it can make the rice salty and make the rice easily damp.
Preserve rice in the refrigerator
Another way to help you preserve rice effectively is to put the rice in the refrigerator. At a temperature lower than 15 degrees Celsius, you can leave the rice in the refrigerator for about 4 to 5 days. Then, put it back in the rice bin. This method can kill and prevent weevils from laying eggs. However, refrigerators in families are usually not too big, so you should divide rice into zipper bags before putting it in the refrigerator.
Store in a specialized rice box
Using a specialized rice box helps you save space in the kitchen. Moreover, you can accurately measure the amount of rice needed for each meal and ensure the health of your family members. You should choose to buy a rice box with a capacity suitable for the number of members in your family. Place it in dry, airy places, avoid humid places and avoid heat-generating appliances such as microwaves and ovens.
3. How to handle weevils in White Rice
If you discover weevils in the rice, you absolutely must not dry the rice in the sun. When drying, weevils crawl back into hiding places because they fear light. At the same time, the rice can also lose water and become dry and crumbly. That affects the quality of the rice and you may not cook the rice anymore. Instead, you gently sift the rice so that the weevils fall. Then dry the rice in a cool, airy place so that the weevils leave.
4. How long to store White Rice
When buying rice, you should buy a moderate amount of rice. Preferably enough for a maximum of 2 months. So, you should not buy too much and store it for too long. In the autumn, rice is best for 1 month, and in the summer, the time is 2 weeks.
So here are tips on how to store rice and handle it properly if weevils are in rice. In addition, if you store rice in a rice box, remember to clean it regularly, then dry it thoroughly every time you change the rice. Only then can you ensure the quality of the rice and your health will not be affected.
Havigo Company Limited operates in the field of agricultural export. We wish to bring high-quality Vietnamese agricultural products such as spices, rice, beans, and fruits… to the world. We supply you with high-quality products at the best price. If you find interested in importing White Rice from Vietnam, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for better support via WhatsApp: +84 979 58 58 56.