Storing Rice Long Term

Storing rice for long term storage has many benefits.  It is helpful to have a back up supply in cases of emergency, inflation and food shortages.  I like how rice can store for up to 30 years if properly sealed and stored right.  In today’s age, when there are constant disruptions in supply chain and high demand, storing your favorite rice makes sense.  Buying rice in bulk is also more cost efficient than buying rice at the regular store.

I purchase rice in bulk bags, either 25 pound or 50 pound bags.  Then I break down the large bags into 1.5-2 pound Mylar bags with at least an 600cc to 1000cc oxygen absorber.  This allows me to only take out what we would need in smaller increments without worrying about the whole bucket possibly going bad.  I also do not have to worry about using the rice in a certain amount of time, once I open the smaller bags.

If you do store enough rice in a 5 gallon bucket loosely, make sure you use the large 5 gallon Mylar bags and at least a 2,500cc-3,000cc oxygen absorber.  Just know, each time you open it, you need to replace the oxygen absorber, to return to long term storage.  Also, make sure you store the rice in a cool, dry location and away from sunlight.

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Other Tips

• When storing your rice long term, think about how you cook rice.  I normally use 4 cups of rice every time I make it, so I want to store in quantities if rice x 4.  For example, for the 1.5 gallon bags, it took 20 cups of rice and allowed for additional room and flattening.  So, I can make rice for my family 5 times before I need to open another one.  Once opened, the bag of rice is good for 6 months to 2 years, depending on your storage conditions.  2 gallon bags took 36 cups of rice.  So I can make rice 9 times from this bag.
• Fill all your Mylar bags with rice first. DO NOT OPEN THE OXYGEN ABSORBERS YET.  Stack the Mylar bags in rows.  You need to wait until you are ready to seal them all, because as soon as you open the bag of oxygen absorbers, they start absorbing oxygen.  This is not an issue if the oxygen absorbers are individually wrapped.  So when you are ready to seal, you want to do them all within about 10-15 minutes.  You need to put the extras in a air tight Mason jar until you can reseal them in an air tight container or bag.
• The purpose of Oxygen Absorbers – to remove oxygen and to kill insects/eggs by removing the oxygen they need to survive.  After 12 days, everything that could possibly hatch or is already alive will die.

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Supplies

 

• Food Grade Safe (BPA Free) 5 gallon bucket
• Food Grade Safe (BPA Free) Gamma Seal Lid.  I do not recommend storing with a normal 5 gallon lid unless you are storing in smaller bags and indoors where there is a slim chance of bugs or rodents.  To ensure food safety, I recommend gamma seal lids.
• 1 1/2 to 2 gallon heat sealable Mylar bags.  1 1/2 gallon bags are: 11.8in x 15.7 in.  2 gallon bags are: 14in x 20in
• Oxygen Absorbers – 500cc to 2500cc.  Just add the number of absorbers to equal the amount needed for the bag you are storing.  1.5 Gallon Bags need at least 600cc and 2 Gallon Bags need at least 900cc.  It is okay to go over the cc.  You can not have too many oxygen absorbers.
• 5 Gallon bucket opener if you are using a regular lid and not a gamma seal lid.  You do not need this tool if you are only using gamma seal lids.
• Chip Clips – needed to hold the bags close as you seal them.
• Flat Iron, Iron or Plastic Film Sealer (I use a 16 inch sealer)
• Sharpie
• Labels (can be handmade).  Blank Name Tags work well too.
• Large Mason jar to hold oxygen absorbers while you work.

 

Directions For Storing Rice Long Term

• Start by sanitizing your bucket by filling half way with hot water, 1 Tablespoon of dish liquid and 2 Tablespoons of bleach.  Wash well and then allow to fully dry.  Be sure to sanitize the lids as well.

• Then figure out how much rice your family consumes in 2-3 months.  Then measure out the amounts you needs.  For example, I make 4 cups of rice each time I make it.  So I measured out 20 cups for the 1.5 gallon Mylar bags, and 36 cups for the 2 gallon Mylar bags.  Therefore, the rice in the 1.5 gallon Mylar bag, I can make rice 5 times and in the 2 gallon bag, 9 times.  I decided to store it this way, so that it can stay in the 5 gallon bucket for years and only take out when I need it.  This will also help with food rotation.

 

 

 

• Fill the Mylar bag with a couple of inches of space at the top.

 

• Then continue to fill and line up all the Mylar bags.

• Make sure to use an oxygen absorber for the size of the bag and contents.  For 1.5 gallons use at least 600cc and for a 2 gallon Mylar bag, use at least 900cc.  It is perfectly okay to use more oxygen absorbers than less.  Be careful with Mylar bags, they are very sharp and can cut you.  I recommend wearing gloves to avoid getting a nasty cut.

 

• Next, add the oxygen absorber(s) and quickly seal back any remaining oxygen absorbers and place in a air tight jar.  Then fold over your Mylar bag and secure with a clip.  So you want to work quickly and seal all the bags within about 10 minutes.  The oxygen absorbers start working as soon as they are exposed to air.

 

• Now, squeeze out any excess air and place in sealer or start to iron the tops.  I have my sealer set between 4-5 but it depends on the thickness of the Mylar bag.  Adjust as you need to.  The light will go off after about 4 seconds indicating it is sealed.  I usually seal half way through (about 4-5 seconds) and then squeeze any excess air and then seal the other side.  The sealer does not need any time to warm up, and you should unplug it after 20 minutes, allow it cool down, before using again.

 

• Now add on any labels.  I like to add the size of the bag I used, the date I purchased, the date I packaged and how many cc’s I used.  Sometimes I add the cooking instructions, based on the quantity I make for my family.  So I just type up what I need on the computer and print it out.

 

• Last, I add the bags to 5 gallon buckets with gamma seal lids.  So you could just use a storage tote and regular bucket lid since you are storing in Mylar bags.  Just make sure it is air tight, that no bugs or rodents can get into it.  This is for storage in pantries and closets that are indoor, cool, and away from light.

• Good luck and happy preparing!  As long as you start, you are more prepared.

 

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