Rice crisis seems to be the hottest issue these days – no matter how many times the government assures that the country has enough rice.

Whether there is rice crisis or not, saving rice is something you should always keep in mind.

According to studies by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), some 25,000 sacks of rice go to waste every day. When saved, this volume is enough to feed nearly four million starving Filipinos.

Cook only enough rice for the meal

Whenever rice cooked is more than enough for the family’s consumption, much of it is spoiled and thus, wasted. If cooking excess rice can hardly be avoided, turn it into delectable rice recipes like fried rice, rice salad, rice cake, rice pasta, or rice porridge. If you are not familiar with these recipes, you can refer to the Rice Recipes in the Philippines book. Celebrating the versatility of rice as food, the book features different ways of cooking rice in colorful photographs showing the intricate preparations and presentations of these delicacies. (For more information on how to get a copy of this book, text PhilRice’s Farmers’ Text Center (0920) 911-1398).

Cook rice properly

If you love eating tutong (rice crust found at the bottom of the pan), by all means, leave the rice on the stove a little longer than the usual. But if you don’t, make sure you cook rice perfectly. Better yet, use an automatic rice cooker.

Sometimes, you might have been distracted by your favorite TV show or by an unexpected phone call that you forgot about the rice on the stove and burnt it black. Although only the bottom and sides have completely blackened, the smoky smell and bitter flavor have affected the entire pan. Save overcooked rice by trying this quick tricks from ehow.com website.

You’ll need a clean cloth, two to three onions, and a large bowl or pot with a lid.

1. Transfer the unburned rice carefully from the cooking pot to another lidded bowl or pot. While transferring the rice, be careful not to scrape the scorched layer or the overcooked part away from the bottom or sides of the cooking pot.
2. Wipe two or 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.

When dining out

Avoid leftovers by ordering a small serving of rice. Ask for another serving later if you need more. If you are with your kids, you may opt to just share with them as they usually do food jagging which will just waste rice.

Rice savings may seem small from your end. But then again, put all together the rice wasted from those simple acts of neglect—that will make 25,000 sacks of rice daily! Now, think of the close to four million Filipinos who could have benefited from them.