The short answer
Store rice in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from the stove and sunlight. To prevent weevils, many households add a few dried bay leaves or neem leaves, and freezing a new bag for 48 hours before storing kills any eggs.
Storage checklist
- Move rice out of the sack into a sealed steel, glass or food-grade plastic container.
- Keep it off the floor and away from damp walls.
- Use a dry scoop. Moisture is the enemy.
- Finish the old rice before topping up with new.
How long does rice last?
Uncooked white rice keeps for many months when stored dry and airtight. Cooked rice should be cooled quickly, refrigerated and eaten within a day or two.