You might google “dry canning rice for long term storage” and see a few contradicting articles. Some saying it is safe, and some saying it isn’t. What if I told you you can “dry can” all of your dry pantry goods for long-term storage without preserving them the controversial and traditional dry canning way.
The Best Way to Preserve Dry Rice in Canning Jars
You can preserve all of your dry goods from your pantry by vacuum sealing them in mason jars. All you need are a few tools to ensure they have an airtight seal which will preserve the product quality long term, keep pest out, and extend the shelf life of your dry foods!
What You Need
- Mason jars: Ensure that the jars are clean and free from any residue.
- White rice: Use good quality, dry white rice for sealing.
- Vacuum sealer machine: This is essential for removing air from the jars and creating a vacuum seal.
- Jar lids and bands: Make sure the lids and bands are clean and in good condition.
- Oxygen absorbers (optional): These can help in further reducing the oxygen content inside the jar, enhancing the rice’s shelf life.
Vacuum Sealing White Rice in Mason Jars
Prepare the rice: Ensure that the white rice (or your other dry food items) is clean and dry. Moisture can reduce the effectiveness of vacuum sealing.
Fill the jars: Scoop the white rice into the Mason jars, leaving some headspace at the top. The headspace is necessary for the vacuum-sealing process.
Optional: Add oxygen absorbers: If you have oxygen absorbers, place one or more inside each jar before sealing. This helps in removing residual oxygen that might be present.
Clean the jar rims: Make sure the rim of the jar is clean and free from any rice particles. This ensures a proper seal.
Attach lids and bands: Place the lids on top of the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip-tight. Do not overtighten.
Prepare the vacuum sealer: Follow the instructions provided with your vacuum sealer machine to set it up.
Vacuum seal the jars: Place each Mason jar into the vacuum sealer machine and initiate the vacuum-sealing process. The machine will remove the air from the jar and create a tight seal.
Check the seal: Once the vacuum-sealing process is complete, visually inspect each jar to ensure that the lids have sealed properly. Press down on the center of the lids; they should not flex or pop.
- Label the jars: It’s a good practice to label the jars with the contents and date of sealing.
- Store the sealed jars: Store the vacuum-sealed jars in a cool, dark and dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to extend the storage life for long term food storage.
Can You Dry Can Other Pantry Goods?
Yes! You can vaccum seal most of your dry pantry goods in mason jars to extend their shelf life. Below are a few pantry staples that we like to preserve:
- Dry beans: Such as navy beans, red beans and pinto beans)
- Uncooked rice: Long grain, instant pot rice, and other bulk rice other than brown rice.
- Dry flour: White flour, all-purpose and whole grains. Consider placing the flour in the freezer for a few hours to ensure any pest die off before canning.
- Cereal and Oats: Keep your breakfast items like cereal, oats, and granola fresh by vacuum-sealing them.
- Dried Fruits: Vacuum-sealing helps preserve the flavor and texture of dried fruits, such as raisins, apricots, and cranberries.
- Nuts and Seeds: Prevent the oxidation of nuts and seeds by vacuum-sealing them, maintaining their freshness and preventing rancidity.
- Dried Herbs and Spices: Whole or ground herbs and spices can be vacuum-sealed to maintain their potency and prevent them from losing flavor.
- Pasta and Noodles: Vacuum-sealing pasta and noodles helps keep them free from moisture and potential contaminants.
- Dried Soup Mixes: Create your own soup mixes with dried ingredients like lentils, split peas, and seasoning, and vacuum-seal for easy storage.
- Snack Foods: Chips, pretzels, crackers, and other snacks can be vacuum-sealed to keep them crisp and fresh.
What To Use Other Than Mason Jars to Store Foods?
If you’re looking for alternatives to Mason jars for long-term storage, there are several options depending on your preferences and the specific items you’re storing. Here are some alternatives:
Food-Grade Plastic Containers:
- High-quality plastic containers designed for food storage can be an excellent alternative. Look for those labeled as BPA-free and safe for long-term food storage.
- Choose airtight containers with tight-sealing lids to prevent air and moisture from entering.
Mylar Bags with Oxygen Absorbers:
- Mylar bags are made from a durable, metallic material that provides an extra layer of protection against light and oxygen.
- Use oxygen absorbers inside the Mylar bags to remove the residual oxygen, enhancing the shelf life of the stored items.
How Long Will White Rice Stored in a Vacuum Sealed Mason Jar Last?
When properly vacuum-sealed and stored in a mason jar, dried rice can have an extended shelf life compared to rice stored in non-airtight conditions. White rice can last for 4-5 years or even longer if stored in a cool, dark place with minimal temperature fluctuations.
Other Food Preserving Ideas:
- Complete Guide to Waterbath Canning
- Homemade Beef Bone Broth From Scraps
- How to Freeze Carrots to Enjoy all Year Long
- How to Dehydrate Strawberries For Long Term Storage
- How to Store Bacon Grease In the Fridge
- Urban (Suburban) Homesteading for Beginners
Canning Dried White Rice for Long Term Storage
Equipment
- Mason jars, Ensure that the jars are clean and free from any residue.
- Vacuum sealer machine, This is essential for removing air from the jars and creating a vacuum seal.
- Jar lids and bands, Make sure the lids and bands are clean and in good condition.
- Oxygen absorbers (optional), These can help in further reducing the oxygen content inside the jar, enhancing the rice's shelf life.
Ingredients
- white rice
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: Ensure that the white rice (or your other dry food items) is clean and dry. Moisture can reduce the effectiveness of vacuum sealing.
- Fill the jars: Scoop the white rice into the Mason jars, leaving some headspace at the top. The headspace is necessary for the vacuum-sealing process.
- Optional: Add oxygen absorbers: If you have oxygen absorbers, place one or more inside each jar before sealing. This helps in removing residual oxygen that might be present.
- Clean the jar rims: Make sure the rim of the jar is clean and free from any rice particles. This ensures a proper seal.
- Attach lids and bands: Place the lids on top of the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip-tight. Do not overtighten.
- Prepare the vacuum sealer: Follow the instructions provided with your vacuum sealer machine to set it up.
- Vacuum seal the jars: Place each Mason jar into the vacuum sealer machine and initiate the vacuum-sealing process. The machine will remove the air from the jar and create a tight seal.
- Check the seal: Once the vacuum-sealing process is complete, visually inspect each jar to ensure that the lids have sealed properly. Press down on the center of the lids; they should not flex or pop.
- Label the jars: It's a good practice to label the jars with the contents and date of sealing.
- Store the sealed jars: Store the vacuum-sealed jars in a cool, dark and dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to extend the storage life for long term food storage.
Notes
- You can vaccum seal most of your dry pantry goods in mason jars to extend their shelf life.
- When properly vacuum-sealed and stored in a mason jar, dried rice can have an extended shelf life compared to rice stored in non-airtight conditions. White rice can last for 4-5 years or even longer if stored in a cool, dark place with minimal temperature fluctuations.