The rice crisis is the buzzword today and may not die down in the years to come. With the increasing Philippine population, the demand of this staple food is also increasing in contrast to the decreasing agricultural lands planted with rice. But whether it is true or not, saving rice is something we should always keep in mind.

According to studies by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), some 25,000 sacks of rice are wasted everyday. If saved, this volume is enough to feed nearly 4 million starving Filipinos.

Here are simple ways to save rice:

Cook only enough rice for a meal. Much leftover rice are spoiled. To avoid this, turn leftover rice into delectable rice recipes like rice salad, rice cake, rice pasta, and rice porridge.

Save overcooked rice. There are times when you’re engrossed with something and forgot about the rice you’re cooking until it’s overcooked. Although you can easily separate the scorched rice crust (tutong) from the unburned rice, it has already emitted smoky smell and embittered the rice. Save overcooked rice by trying this simple way from ehow.com.

1. Transfer the unburned rice carefully from the cooking pot to another lidded bowl of pot. While transferring the rice, be careful not to scrape the scorched layer or the overcooked part way from the bottom or sides of the cooking pot.
2. Wipe two to three onions with a clean, damp cloth.
3. Remove the papery outer peels from the onions.
4. Spread the onion peels completely over the surface of the unburned rice.
5. Cover the pot or bowl tightly and let it sit for 15 minutes. The onion peels will absorb the bitterness.
6. Discard the onion peels and serve the rice.

Order a small serving of rice. When dining out, order a small serving of rice to avoid having leftovers. Ask for another serving later if you need to eat more. If you’re dining with children, you may just share your food with them because they usually jag food.

Saving rice may seem small from your end, but it is something worthwhile. Why waste rice when it’s becoming expensive and more and more people hardly afford it? Just think of the 4 million starving Filipinos who could have eaten the rice you have just wasted.

Source: Agriculture Magazine, June 2008 

Tags: rice, rice crisis, save rice