Zongzi is a popular traditional delicacy during the Dragon Boat Festival every year. It is eaten in different ways and has rich tastes. Some people like to eat sweet rice dumplings, some people like to eat salty rice dumplings, etc. Many people cook and eat rice dumplings at home. It is best to soak the rice dumplings in the pot for a while, but it is not recommended to simmer in the pot overnight.

1. Can the rice dumplings be soaked in the pot overnight? It depends on whether the weather is hot or not.

Zongzi contains nutrients such as starch, sugar, and protein, and is easily contaminated by bacteria. It is not advisable to put the rice dumplings into the pot when the temperature is high to prevent the rice dumplings from becoming stuffy and deteriorating. When the temperature is low, staying up late won’t be a big problem.

After cooking, it is best not to soak the rice dumplings in the pot overnight, as this may cause damage to the rice dumplings. So it's best not to soak the rice dumplings in the pot overnight, but sometimes soaking them in the pot won't cause too much of a problem. But be careful with hot water. Generally speaking, after cooking, it is best to take out the rice dumplings to dry and then store them in the refrigerator, which can ensure the deliciousness of the rice dumplings.

2. How to preserve cooked rice dumplings 1. Low temperature storage. Cooked rice dumplings have the longest freezing time and can generally be stored for 3 months. If placed at low temperature, they can be kept fresh for 5 days. It is best to seal the frozen rice dumplings into small packages with fresh-keeping bags, and take them out directly when you want to eat them, so that the rice dumplings will not be allowed to lose moisture. In addition, it is best to freeze the cooked rice dumplings and eat them with meat and fish to avoid mixed and bad taste.

2. Soak the rice dumplings in water. In addition to the most effective frozen rice dumplings, the storage time is also very long, and the frozen rice dumplings can be kept fresh for 5 days. Although the method of soaking rice dumplings does not save a lot of time, it can prevent bacteria from entering, so it depends on when to eat it. If you eat one meal a day, you can choose this method.

3. Dry and preserved. Dried and pickled cooked rice dumplings do not taste as sticky as when they come out of the pot. The rice dumplings do not stick together. They are delicious and chewy. So, how to dry and preserve cooked rice dumplings? The most common method is to put the cooked rice dumplings into an iron pot and dry them over low heat. When you see moisture on the leaves, you can dry them out. Under high temperature drying, the aroma of the leaves will penetrate into the rice dumplings, making them taste even more fragrant!

3. How long can cooked rice dumplings be kept? Due to the high temperature and humidity in summer, it is suitable for the growth and reproduction of various microorganisms. Cooked rice dumplings tend to deteriorate after two hours at room temperature.

Zongzi is a type of cooked food. The shelf life under refrigeration is generally only a few days to a week, and refrigeration can only temporarily extend the shelf life. If the rice dumplings smell strange or become moldy after opening, they cannot be eaten.

During the Dragon Boat Festival, the weather is hot and humid and the temperature is on the high side. If fresh rice dumplings are placed in a sealed bag, they will easily become moldy and spoil. Therefore, it is best to choose bamboo baskets, non-woven bags and other breathable packaging to store fresh rice dumplings, and do not tie the bag too tightly and be sure to heat it as soon as possible.

If you are not going to eat for a while, you should open the bag and put it in a cool, ventilated, dry place in time, or put it in the refrigerator.