In our daily lives, many of us cook rice and pasta to accompany our dishes. However, 90% of people make a mistake when preparing these foods : Let the rice or pasta cool to room temperature.
Why is this an error?
Letting these foods sit at room temperature encourages the proliferation of bacteria, which can lead to food poisoning or degrade the taste quality of the dish.
The associated risks
It may seem trivial, but this bad habit can cause several problems for your health. The main consequences are food poisoningdue to the rapid growth of bacteria such as Salmonella or Escherichia coli (E.coli).
Indeed, when you let rice or pasta cool slowly to room temperature, it creates a favorable environment for these bacteria to proliferate. These develop quickly between 7°C and 60°C, a temperature range often reached when food cools on the work surface.
In addition, the presence of these bacteria can alter the taste and texture of your preparations. So even if you don’t necessarily feel the effects of food poisoning, your dish may be less flavorful than expected.
How to avoid this error?
Fortunately, it is possible to easily fix this error by following some simple tips. Here are the different steps to follow:
- Cool rice or pasta quickly : to do this, drain them and run them under cold water for a few seconds. This thermal shock technique stops cooking and reduces the time required for cooling, thus limiting bacterial growth.
- Store food in an airtight container : once cooled, put your pasta or rice in a closed container and store it immediately in the refrigerator (below 5°C). This helps to slow down the proliferation of bacteria.
- Reheat properly before eating : when reusing these foods, be sure to reheat them until they reach the safe temperature threshold (>74°C) to eliminate any bacteria present.
Tips for optimizing the conservation of rice and pasta
To further limit the risks linked to bacteria and store your rice or pasta dishes in complete safety, here are some additional tips:
- Divide the portions : To speed up cooling, put food in smaller containers. This also makes it easier to manage portions when reusing.
- Do not add spices or sauces before storing : it is best to only add this type of ingredient when consuming your dish, so as not to disrupt the cooling process or encourage bacterial growth.
- Consume quickly : even if you manage to store your pasta or rice correctly, it is advisable to consume them within 24 hours of cooking them. Indeed, even in the refrigerator, bacteria can continue to grow, although more slowly.
Letting rice or pasta cool to room temperature: a mistake to correct for everyone
It is essential to be aware of this common mistake when preparing rice and pasta, and learn how to adopt good practices to avoid health risks. A simple change in method can make all the difference in enjoying healthy, tasty meals. Do not hesitate to share these tips with those around you so that they too can improve their cooking habits.
