Choose refrigerated for short-term consumption and frozen for long-term consumption.
When consuming rice dumplings in the short term, place them in a ziplock bag or container and then place them in the cooler section of the refrigerator to keep them frozen. This method will keep the taste and texture of the dumplings relatively good, and they can usually be consumed within 3 to 5 days. The advantage of refrigerated storage is that it can relatively maintain the flavor and quality of the dumplings, allowing them to retain a better taste.
And for long-term preservation or future consumption, the choice of keeping the dumplings frozen is a better option. Freezing can extend the shelf life of rice dumplings, which can usually be kept for three to six months. The advantage of choosing to freeze the rice dumplings is that they can be stored for a longer period of time without affecting their flavor and quality. When it is time to consume frozen rice dumplings, take out the required number of dumplings, thaw them and heat them up.
Precautions for freezing and storing rice dumplings:
1. Packing and sealing: Wrap each dumpling individually and make sure it is well sealed. You can use plastic wrap, tin foil or freezer bags for packaging. Sealed packaging can avoid the dumplings from being directly affected by the freezing air, preventing moisture loss and flavor damage.
2, remove the air: before packing the dumplings, try to eliminate the air inside the package. You can use a straw or a special food vacuum to extract the air, which can reduce freezer burn when freezing and maintain the quality of the dumplings.
3. Freezing temperature: Place the dumplings in the freezer for frozen storage. Ensure that the freezing temperature is -18 degrees Celsius or lower to ensure that the dumplings can maintain the best quality and flavor for a longer period of time.
4. Mark the date: Mark the freezing date on the package so you can have a better idea of how long the dumplings will be stored. Typically, rice dumplings can be kept in a frozen state for 3 months to half a year. Remember, the earlier you consume the dumplings, the better the quality.
5. Defrosting process: When it is time to consume the rice dumplings, take out the required number of rice dumplings for defrosting. Thaw the dumplings slowly to room temperature or place them in the refrigerator for slow thawing. Avoiding rapid warming will maintain the quality and flavor of the dumplings.
6. Heat completely: Thawed dumplings should be heated as soon as possible to ensure that they are thoroughly cooked or steamed. Depending on the specific type and size of the dumplings, you can choose to steam or bake them to heat them. Ensure that the interior is completely heated and avoid raw food.
7. Storage time: Once thawed and heated, the dumplings should be consumed as soon as possible, and it is not recommended to refreeze the thawed dumplings as this will affect their quality and flavor.