How can I prevent the spread of weevils? Many people rely on traditional methods to store rice in their warehouses, but rice is often exposed to inappropriate storage conditions that lead to its spoilage, and sometimes to the appearance of insects such as weevils. When this happens, the only solution is to get rid of the entire damaged quantity. In the article "Secrets of storing rice and protecting it from weevils", we will provide you in     Dalili Medical with a set of information about the correct ways to store rice, in addition to some tricks and ideas that will help you keep rice fresh and delicious for as long as possible!

Why should we store rice?

 

Rice is considered a staple food, especially in Arab countries and Iran. Some people use it every day in their meals. While others eat rice in their meals at least three times a week. So this food item is an integral part of the table and is purchased in large quantities due to its daily use. Below, we briefly mention the reasons for storing rice, so that we can move on to how to store it faster.

**Reasons for storing rice:**

 

Rice doubles in size when cooked, making it require less space during storage.

It is easy to cook, as you can prepare a full meal in less than 40 minutes.

If cooked without oil, it is free of cholesterol, sodium and fat.

Rice is a filling and cheap food.

It also does not contain allergens.

However, if rice is not stored properly, it may be exposed to pests and weevils.

**Important points to consider before buying rice**

 

When thinking about buying rice, it is necessary to pay attention to some basic points to ensure its ease of storage. The rice you choose should be dry, as this facilitates the storage process.

The process of drying rice takes about 60 hours, and dryers are often used to achieve this. With the increasing demand for rice and its high consumption by families and restaurants, the drying time has been reduced to about 50 hours or less, so that producers can meet the needs of customers faster.

It is important to buy rice that you can be sure is dry, preferably in sealed packages. Therefore, it is advisable to buy from reliable stores or from known people. Poorly dried rice may be infested with insects or worms after a while.

If you have a large amount of rice and do not have enough information about how to store it properly, follow us. To store rice, you must first make sure it is dry. You can spread the rice in a place away from direct sunlight, such as the shade or outdoors, until it is completely dry.

Is sunlight harmful to drying rice?

 

Sunlight can cause rice grains to break, as sunlight affects the starch in rice, causing unwanted reactions. Rice exposed to direct sunlight may become soft during cooking, known as "lip". Therefore, it is best to avoid exposing rice to direct sunlight when drying it or when trying to get rid of rice weevils.

What do you do if rice contains worms?

 

You can spread the rice in a wide tray and then put it in the sun for two days, as the worms will come out of the rice in this case. After that, you can distribute a large amount of salt on the rice and leave it in the sun for a third day. Then wash the rice well with water to get rid of the salt or any worms that may remain. After that, you can use the rice normally in your recipes after making sure it is well washed.

**How ​​to store rice in the warehouse**

 

It is important to keep the rice bags at least 20 cm above the ground. This protects the rice from bites from mice and insects, and also allows air to flow under the bags, preventing moisture accumulation. You can use metal or wooden containers or shelves to achieve this distance.

Avoid placing rice bags directly on the wall. You should leave a small space, the size of a finger, between the wall and the bags, which facilitates air flow and helps dry the moisture accumulated between the bags.

Do not store rice in a compressed manner. Although compression may save space in the warehouse, it retains moisture inside the rice and creates a suitable environment for the emergence of pests and weevils. It is preferable to leave part of the rice bag empty and not to put more than 30 to 40 kilograms in one bag.

**The best types of rice bags for storage**

Choosing the type of bag used to store rice is very important. Currently, most rice bags are made of plastic, but it is preferable to avoid storing rice in these bags for two main reasons:

1. Plastic bags do not allow moisture to be absorbed, which causes the rice to retain moisture inside the bag. This moisture can lead to the appearance of pests and rice worms.

2. Rice tends to absorb odors, and when it is close to certain materials, it can be affected by their smell. Storing rice in plastic bags can cause it to acquire the smell and flavor of plastic, which negatively affects its taste and smell. You may have tried rice that smells like a plastic bag.

Does salt kill rice weevils?

 

Yes, salt can be used to get rid of rice weevils by sprinkling it on rice and leaving it in the sun until the weevils disappear completely.

Does vinegar kill weevils?

 

Yes, vinegar can be used in the same way as salt, by sprinkling it on rice and leaving it in the sun until the weevils disappear, then the rice must be washed well.

Does bay leaves prevent rice rot?

 

Yes, some women use bay leaves to put in the rice during storage, as it helps prevent the growth of weevils.

Can I eat rice that contains weevils?

 

The presence of rice weevils indicates poor storage practices, but it does not make the rice unsafe for consumption. Weevils can be removed and the rice can be used for cooking and eating without any worries.

How to get rid of rice weevils if found?

 

If you buy rice and find weevils in it, you can store it in the freezer for five days. The low temperatures in the freezer will quickly kill the weevils, and this will also preventThe heat of the small eggs from growing and multiplying and turning into new weevils. In addition, the heat of the sun can be used with the same effectiveness; just put the rice in a large tray and spread it well, then leave it exposed to sunlight for a whole day. The high temperature will help eliminate the weevil eggs and the weevil itself.

How to get rid of rice weevils if found?

 

If you buy rice and find weevils in it, you can keep it in the freezer for five days. The low temperatures in the freezer will cause the weevils to die quickly, and this heat will prevent the small eggs from growing and multiplying and turning into new weevils. In addition, the heat of the sun can be used with the same effectiveness; just put the rice in a large tray and spread it well, then leave it exposed to sunlight for a whole day. The high temperature will help eliminate the weevil eggs and the weevil itself.

**How ​​to store rice at home**

 

This is done through proper storage. The methods of storing rice at home vary between housewives and women depending on the amount of rice available and the type of containers used. Below, we will review a set of methods and tips for storing rice and protecting it from weevils in effective ways that ensure its preservation for long periods without spoilage.

**Storing rice in a barrel**

There are many specialized storage options for rice on the market, which are designed to protect rice from heat, humidity, dust, and insects, including weevils. When considering storing rice before cooking in a barrel in the pantry, you must consider the type of rice. For example, dry white rice can be stored in a tightly sealed plastic barrel in a cool, dark, and dry place, which helps preserve it for years. As for brown rice, it is best to store it in glass or plastic containers, and it must be consumed within 6 months.

**Storing rice in the refrigerator**

Dry rice usually does not require storage in the refrigerator, but you can do so to increase its freshness period. As for cooked rice, it is the most important! When storing cooked rice or leftover rice in the refrigerator, you must make sure to cool it first to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator. To make this process easier, you can spread the hot cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool quickly, then put it in an airtight container and transfer it to the refrigerator.

**How ​​to store barley rice**

 

Since barley rice is dried, storing it is easy. Make sure to buy barley rice that is well-packaged and tightly sealed. If you have a torn or unsealed barley bag, it is best to transfer it to a tightly sealed glass container and store it in a cool, dark place. If your home temperature is high, you can store barley rice in the refrigerator. Be sure to check its smell regularly to ensure its freshness, as the shelf life of barley rice varies, but in general it can reach up to a year.

**How ​​to store rice for long periods**

 

Many women buy rice in large quantities when shopping for the house, which prompts them to search for effective ways to store it for long periods. It is important to store rice under certain conditions, as it should be in a cool, dark place free of air and oxygen. In this article, we will review the best ways to store rice and protect it from weevils, in addition to some tips to ensure that it stays fresh for as long as possible without being damaged or insects appearing.

Start by preparing the storage container that you intend to use, and make sure that it is dry and clean. Make sure to get rid of any moisture to avoid the growth of bacteria and mold.

Then, place the rice to be stored in the container. You can use oxygen absorber packets, which are packages designed to absorb excess oxygen, which helps extend the shelf life of rice, and is considered one of the most important methods of storage for long periods.

After that, make sure to close the storage container tightly and place it in the pantry. If you need to access the rice quickly, you can place the container in the pantry or in cool, dry cabinets in your kitchen. However, if you do not need it immediately, it is better to store it in large containers.

When you need to use the rice, take out the required amount from the storage container and check for any insects or weevils. Properly stored rice is the best way to protect it from all types of pests.

Food storage experts recommend freezing rice for a week to get rid of any insects or invisible eggs in the rice grains. Frozen rice is safe for immediate use and does not require thawing before cooking.

As for storing cooked rice, its shelf life in the refrigerator is relatively short, so it is preferable to store it in the freezer. Make sure to use strong containers or re-openable zipper bags that are designed for freezer storage.

You can also put an open matchbox in the rice cupboard, as the smell of sulfur is one of the smells that repel weevils.

- Use dried black lemon, which is easily found at the herbalist, and put it with rice as it is a strong weevil repellent.

Use garlic**Garlic in traditional Iranian medicine has a dry and hot character. Therefore, a few cloves of garlic in a bag or rice bowl is a way to preserve rice to prevent pests and weevils. However, due to the property of absorbing the smell of rice, after some time, the smell of garlic emanates from the rice

Use hot and dry peppers**Like garlic, peppers are hot and dry, so you can use a few peppercorns in rice bags. Unlike garlic, pepper does not change the smell of rice and you can easily use it in rice bags and containers.

Iron in a rice bag *** Iron oxidizes when exposed to oxygen and moisture, so it is a good moisture absorber. You can use a nail or a piece of reinforcing iron inside the rice bag to absorb the moisture of the rice and prevent the rice from getting infected.

Using leaves or bark and wood of some plants in the method of preserving rice *** Walnut leaves or their shells are good and cheap moisture absorbers. Do not throw away the walnut shells, but put them in rice bags to absorb the moisture of the rice. In southern Iran, the leaves of the tree are usedNeem to absorb moisture in rice. Ginger, turmeric, mint, cloves, etc., are generally used in traditional Iranian medicine to absorb moisture.

**Methods for preserving rice using cotton bags**

If you plan to store rice in a cotton bag, it is preferable to iron the bag before putting the rice in it. Ironing the bag helps remove any contamination that may be present, and also helps get rid of moisture if it is present. If you are going to put the bag on the ground, it is advisable to use a book or board as a base under the bag.

**Electronic storage containers for rice and grains**Electronic containers for storing rice are an excellent option, as they can increase the storage time of rice by more than twice. These containers have graduations that show the amount of rice remaining, and are made of several layers of plastic and metal, which prevents moisture from entering the rice.

**Storing rice for up to 25 to 30 years using oxygen and moisture absorbers** Moisture is one of the main factors that lead to the spoilage of rice. So, if we can remove moisture, we can keep rice at home for many years. Oxygen absorbers are divided into two types: “wet food oxygen absorber” and “dry food oxygen absorber”. Since rice is a dry food, you should be careful when choosing the right oxygen absorber. The materials used in oxygen absorbers are based on bisulfite and hydrazine, which are the latest innovations in biotechnology. The use of these ingredients helps to maintain the freshness and natural taste of food, and also increases the shelf life of the product without the need to add preservatives. Thanks to oxygen absorbers, rice can be stored for up to 25 to 30 years.