Frequently Asked Questions: Minute Rice

• Can I use MINUTE® Rice in a recipe that calls for regular rice?
  
  ORIGINAL and PREMIUM cannot be added to recipes using other types of rice (converted, long-cooking, brown, instant brown), because the amount of rice, water needed varies with each type of rice. ORIGINAL and PREMIUM can be substituted for each other in recipes. If the recipe calls for a bed of rice, you can prepare MINUTE® Rice separately according to package directions.
  
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• How can I tell if this MINUTE® Rice package can still be used?
  
  The code number is in Julian form. It is embossed or printed in ink on the top or bottom of the box, and indicates the date of production. The 1st character designates the year, the next 3 characters designate the day of the year, and the 5th designates the plant of production. Additional characters designate the shift and/or line within the production facility. For example, a code of 6198D14 indicates that the product was produced on the 198th day of 1996. The product will retain its best freshness and quality for at least 18 months if stored in a cool dry place.
  
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• How do I store my leftover prepared MINUTE® Rice? Can I reheat it?
  
  IN REFRIGERATOR:
  
  Prepared dishes (casseroles, main dishes, etc.) may be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days.
  
  These dishes can be reheated in oven at 350 degrees until heated through. Watch carefully to prevent sticking. Add more liquid, if necessary.
  
  They can also be reheated on top of the stove in double boiler or saucepan until heated through. Add more liquid, if necessary.
  
  IN FREEZER:
  
  Prepared dishes may be frozen. If freezing in dish, be sure dish is type of cookware that can withstand drastic temperature change from freezer to oven.
  
  Reheat (directly from freezer) at 400 degrees in oven until heated through. Watch carefully to prevent sticking. Add more liquid, if necessary.
  
  IN MICROWAVE:
  
  Follow instructions in your microwave manual.
  
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• How does Premium Rice compare to MINUTE® Rice?
  
  MINUTE® Rice is a long grain white rice which is precooked by a patented process which ensures consistent quality and convenience in preparation.
  
  It is enriched with B-vitamins and iron, which naturally occurs in rice. Our rice is ready in only 5 minutes.
  
  Rice is considered "Premium" (which is also a long grain rice) because it uses a different raw material than MINUTE® Rice Original. As a result, Premium will have a slightly different texture and more yellow color.
  
  MINUTE® Rice, like all dehulled rice, is considered a refined product.
  
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• How should I store MINUTE® Rice?
  
  Store package in a cool, dry place in the original box or other container, which permits circulation of air.
  
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• How should my MINUTE® Rice be stored if it hasn't been opened?
  
  The proper way to store MINUTE® Rice is at room temperature, in a cool dry place.
  
  This will insure that the product is perfect for consumption when opened (but used by the "best when used by date").
  
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• I have an older recipe that states I should cook MINUTE® Rice for 13 minutes, is this the correct cooking time?
  
  MINUTE® Rice process has changed from the late 1950's to reduce cooking time from 13 minutes to 5 minutes. Rice cooked on top of the stove needs only 5 minutes of cooking time. We have delicious new recipes specially created to be prepared in less than 30 minutes. Check our on line recipe database.
  
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• I've had my MINUTE® Rice in my pantry for a while now. How can I tell if it has expired?
  
  All of our products have what is called a code date . This date can be considered a Best When Used By Date .
  
  The Best When Used By Date on your MINUTE® Rice product is located on the bottom or top of the box.
  
  For example, say that your stamped date is as follows:
  
  Mar 24 07H
  5 16:03
  
  Mar 24 99 = is the best when used by date
  H= is the plant code
  5= is the production line
  16:03 = is the time (in military time = 4:03pm)
  
  To assure the best quality and flavor, we recommend that you use this product on or before the date stamped.
  
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• My favorite variety of MINUTE® Rice is no longer available at my local grocery store. What happened?
  
  From time to time we evaluate whether a product variety is popular with our consumers.
  
  Sometimes, there aren't enough consumers buying this product to support its continued production.
  
  Of course if consumers become interested in a product variety, we will consider putting it back on the market.
  
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• Should I adjust the cooking time of my casseroles when I use MINUTE® Rice?
  
  Although MINUTE® Rice cooked on top of the stove only needs 5 minutes of cooking time, when using MINUTE® Rice in casseroles don't adjust baking time.
  
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• What is the fat content of rice?
  
  Rice naturally contains a small amount of fat, most of which is in the germ of the kernel. This information is listed on the Nutrition Facts panel on product packages.
  
  *
  MINUTE® Original Rice contains 0 grams of fat per serving.
  *
  MINUTE® INSTANT BROWN RICE contains only 1.5 grams of fat per serving.
  
  The fat content of brown rice is slightly higher than that of white rice, since the germ is not removed in brown rice.
  
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• How much water is needed to cook an entire box of Minute 72 oz White Rice?
  
  Bring 20 cups of water (or liquid) to a boil in an 8-quart stockpot.
  
  Stir in the entire contents of the Minute 72 oz White box; cover. Remove from heat.
  
  Let stand 10 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with fork. Yields 40 cups of cooked Minute Rice.
• Given the recent press on cooking with plastics in the microwave, is it safe to cook Minute® Boil-in-Bag Rice in the microwave?
  
  Yes. The Minute® boil-in-bag is made completely of food-safe plastic that is designed to safely tolerate the heat of cooking in a microwave.
• How do I cook Minute Rice in the oven for a large group? I would like to use a disposable aluminum pan ...
  
  First, please warm your oven to 200°F. Place the rice in the aluminum pan. Add the appropriate amount of boiling water and seal with the matching aluminum lid or foil wrap. Turn the oven off, and place the pan in a warm oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
• Can I feed Minute® Rice to my dog or cat?
  
  Definitely, in fact Minute® Rice is an excellent food choice for both healthy and sick dogs and cats.