Bought rice that has a gunny bag smell, what can I do now?

Subject: Help! My Sona Masoori Rice Smells like Gunny Bags

Hi everyone! I recently purchased 10 kilos of Sona Masoori rice, and I’ve run into a bit of a problem. This classic short-grain rice has an overpowering gunny bag smell that completely overshadows any flavors when I cook it.

I reached out to the store, but unfortunately, they can’t accept a return since I’m past the warranty period. I’m really disappointed and don’t want to waste all this rice. The expiry date is in 2026, so it’s still good, but I’m not sure how to get rid of that smell.

Is there any way I can salvage this situation? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!


Comments

One response to “Bought rice that has a gunny bag smell, what can I do now?”

  1. I’m sorry to hear about your rice issue! Here are a few suggestions you might try to help reduce the gunny bag smell:

    1. Rinsing the Rice: Before cooking, rinse the rice thoroughly under running water. This can help remove some of the smell. Make sure to rinse it until the water is relatively clear.

    2. Soaking: Soak the rice in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This can help to extract some of the odor.

    3. Cooking with Aromatics: When cooking, use strong aromatics like bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, or cardamom pods. You could also cook it with stock or broth instead of plain water to help mask the smell.

    4. Herbs and Spices: Adding fresh herbs or spices, such as cilantro, ginger, or garlic, can also help to overpower the smell during cooking.

    5. Mixing with Other Ingredients: If possible, try mixing the rice with ingredients that have strong flavors, such as fried onions, nuts, or vegetables.

    6. Storing in a Different Container: If you have leftovers, transfer the rice to a glass or plastic container with a tight seal. This may help minimize the smell as you store it.

    7. Baking Soda: For unsealed rice, you can try placing an open container of baking soda in your rice container, as baking soda can absorb odors.

    If these methods don’t work and it still remains inedible, consider donating it to a local food bank (if they can accept it) or asking friends or family if they’d be interested in taking it off your hands. I hope you can find a way to salvage it!

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