Rice is one of the essential staple foods consumed daily, providing the human body with most of its calories and nutrients, hence it is known as the king of the five grains. Normal rice is white in color with a delicate fragrance; when cooked, it becomes crystal clear and emits an alluring aroma. However, there is also a type of rice that, if consumed regularly, might potentially lead to cancer.
Eating yellowed rice can induce cancer.
Rice turns yellow under two circumstances. One is due to the rice's high moisture content, which makes it easily contaminated by molds such as *Penicillium islandicum*, *Penicillium citrinum*, and *Penicillium citreoviride* during storage. Subsequently, these molds proliferate in suitable conditions and produce toxic metabolites, causing the rice to turn yellow. This type of rice is also known as yellowed rice.
Yellowed rice contains multiple toxins that can cause liver damage, and some can also lead to kidney and nerve damage, possessing strong carcinogenic properties.
Additionally, if paddy rice is not dried promptly after harvest due to rainy weather and is stored while still wet, it can also cause the rice to turn yellow. The milled rice from this yellowed paddy is also yellow and is called yellow-kernelled rice. Yellow-kernelled rice is generally non-toxic, but its nutritional value and quality are inferior to white rice, and it is also susceptible to mold contamination under suitable conditions.
Common Knowledge for Identifying Yellow Rice
1. Color: The rice grains are dull, yellowish on the surface, or have white grooves. They are brittle and break easily.
2. Smell: It has a musty odor and is low in hardness.
3. Taste: When steamed or cooked, it has low viscosity. The taste is bland and musty, with a coarse texture.
Methods for Storing Rice
When buying rice, it is best to purchase small quantities frequently and store it in a dry, ventilated place. In the north, rice can generally be stored for 3 to 6 months, while in the south, it is best not to exceed 3 months. When storing rice in a home rice container, first ensure the container is thoroughly dry before filling it with rice and sealing the lid. For small quantities, you can use a plastic cola bottle, storing it in a dry, ventilated place, away from high temperatures and light.
Storing rice is not an easy task. It can easily become moldy or develop insects if you're not careful. However, this problem can be solved with ordinary plastic bottles. Collect the plastic bottles at home, rinse them with water, and let them air dry. If you need to store a large amount of rice, you can choose a larger bottle. Before putting rice into the bottle, make sure the rice is dry, and seal the cap tightly afterward. This method not only keeps things neat and saves space but also prevents rice from developing insects and mold. Besides rice, other grains like red beans, purple rice, and millet can also be stored using this method.
If you can tolerate the smell of Sichuan peppercorns, you can also wrap some peppercorns in a cloth pouch and place it in the plastic bottle with the rice, then seal the lid tightly. Peppercorns have a pest-repelling effect, which improves the preservation of the grain.