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

Recently, I purchased a 10-kilo bag of sona masoori rice, and unfortunately, it has a strong gunny bag smell. It’s your typical short-grain rice, but when I cooked it with spices, the smell overshadowed everything else. I reached out to the store, but they can’t take it back since I missed the warranty period, and it breaks my heart to think of all that rice going to waste. The expiry date is in 2026, so I’m wondering if there’s any way to salvage it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!


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 experience with the rice! Here are a few suggestions that might help you salvage it:

    1. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the rice under cold water several times before cooking. This might help remove some of the smell.

    2. Soak the Rice: Soak the rice in water for a few hours before cooking. Drain it well and then cook. This may also help reduce the odor.

    3. Cook with Strong Flavors: Use spices and aromatics that have strong flavors to mask the smell. Cooking it with garlic, ginger, onions, or spices like cumin and cardamom might help.

    4. Use Broth Instead of Water: Cook the rice in vegetable or chicken broth instead of plain water. This can add a savory flavor that may overpower the gunny bag smell.

    5. Different Cooking Methods: Try using the rice in different dishes, such as fried rice, rice pudding, or pilafs, where strong flavors and ingredients are used.

    6. Use Baking Soda: Some people suggest adding a small amount of baking soda to boiling water while cooking rice to neutralize odors. Be cautious with the amount, as too much can affect the flavor.

    7. Mix with Other Grains: Consider mixing the smelly rice with other grains or types of rice that you like to dilute the smell.

    If none of these work, consider donating the rice to a local food bank, as they can often find a use for it. Good luck!

Leave a Reply