What was a black substance on the surface of cooked brown rice?
We had some brown rice that we cooked in tap water, and when it was done, there was something black or dark gray with a clay-like consistency on the surface of the rice. Around the edge of the pot it was pretty dense, while at the center it was only specks, and below the surface of the rice it wasn't present at all. What was it? Was it safe to eat the rest of the rice?
Best Answer
If this is the grey foam/scum that rises during the cooking, and eventually settled onto the surface and the pot itself, then it's just starch that gets released during the cooking process. While not aesthetically pleasing, it doesn't change the flavor or texture of the rice, and is fine to eat.
Also, some people note this when their water source is hard water, so it might be the excess calcium/limescale from the water, itself, just like what accumulates on your faucet or in your coffee maker, but mixed with some of the previously mentioned starches from the rice, so it looks different.
(I'll try to find some authoritative links to confirm this, and post those as an edit when I have more time after work).
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Quick Answer about "What was a black substance on the surface of cooked brown rice?"
If this is the grey foam/scum that rises during the cooking, and eventually settled onto the surface and the pot itself, then it's just starch that gets released during the cooking process. While not aesthetically pleasing, it doesn't change the flavor or texture of the rice, and is fine to eat.What are the black things in my brown rice?
You're likely dealing with rice weevils. There are more than 60,000 species of weevils worldwide, broadly characterized as tiny beetles with a long snout. The one we're focusing on today is the rice weevil, a pantry pest found across Canada that likes to hide in your - you guessed it - rice.Why did my rice turn black?
Instead of being airy and fluffy, expired rice may become slimy or gooey. Lastly, check the rice for mold, which often appears as green, blue, or black spots. If you notice any of those signs of spoilage, make sure to discard your rice. Cooked rice lasts for about 4 days in the fridge or 8 months in the freezer.How can you tell if brown rice is bad?
Uncooked brown rice can go bad and you should be able to easily identify that it is spoiled. Some of the symptoms of it going bad are signs of mold or odd discolorations, insects inside the package, foul (or rancid) smell, or moist texture. If you notice any of these signs, get rid of the rice.Why does my brown rice have dark spots?
My brown rice looks spotty is it safe? Discolored rice is a sign that your rice is no good to eat. White spots are a sign of oxidation. Using stale rice will compromise the taste of the rice.Dr Chan compares Black Rice, Brown Rice \u0026 White Rice - Protein, Fiber, Antioxidants, Glycemic Index
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