Answer:
Step 1: Prepare cold rice
After cooking the rice, let it cool naturally to room temperature. This will help reduce the risk of Bacillus cereus bacteria growing when stored in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Use a zip bag, plastic wrap or container
Divide the rice into portions that are enough to eat at one time. Then, put each portion of rice in a zip bag, box or wrap it with plastic wrap, making sure to squeeze out all the air before repacking it.
Step 3: Store in the freezer
Instead of storing rice in the refrigerator, Japanese people often store rice in the freezer of the refrigerator. This helps keep the rice from drying out or losing quality, while also keeping the flavor better.
Step 4: Reheat the rice
When you need to use it, just take the rice out of the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave. The plastic wrap and zip bag will help retain moisture, making the rice soft and fluffy again.
Note: Although rice can be stored in the freezer, it should not be stored for too long (about 1 week) to ensure quality and food safety.
The Japanese way of preserving rice not only helps keep cold rice fresh but also ensures food hygiene and safety.