Kamal Ghorui
There’s just something about opening a box of biscuits, freshly packed, and getting that perfect crunch. But all too often, cookies and crackers in the pantry aren’t so crunchy and may become disappointingly soft. Before you throw them out or rush to bake a fresh batch, try a clever, easy hack most folks don’t know, which requires adding a few grains of raw rice to the bottom of your biscuit box. This trick does magic in terms of absorbing moisture and will keep those biscuits crunchy for much longer. Be it the biscuits at tea time, digestive cookies, or sweet treats, this quick tip in the kitchen will help you keep that crunchiness every time.
Why do biscuits become soft
Biscuits get softened because of the presence of moisture in the atmosphere. Biscuits are baked to a dry and crunchy stage, but when the biscuit package is kept in a moisture-filled atmosphere, they absorb the moisture present in the atmosphere as well as in the containers. This affects the biscuit by softening it and making it difficult to consume.
The raw rice trick that keeps biscuits crispy
Since uncooked rice is a natural moisture absorber, when you put a small portion inside your biscuit container (or inside an open dish or breathable packaging with your biscuit container), this rice absorbs all the unnecessary moisture that could make your biscuits soggy. That’s how your biscuits stay crunchier for longer.Also, rice is very inexpensive, easily available, and completely safe to use as food, as long as you do not combine it with biscuits. It is a small sacrifice for a great reward.
How to use this hack at home
Indeed, this trick of absorbing moisture is easily tried in your kitchen.
- Take a clean container, such as a biscuit tin, an airtight jar, or a plastic box.
- Place raw rice (about 1–2 tablespoons) in a small open bowl, cheesecloth pouch, or breathable sachet.
- Place the container of rice on the bottom or side of the box of biscuits.
- Set your biscuits on top of it and seal the container.
Check the rice every few weeks. If it seems damp, replace with fresh grains. That is all there is to keeping these crispy without softening.
Extra tips to keep biscuits crunchy
Along with the rice trick, these simple practices help keep biscuits fresh for a longer time :
- Use airtight containers so outside moisture doesn’t get in.
- Store in a cool, dry place rather than near a stove or sink.
- Avoid placing warm biscuits in the container right away
- Do not refrigerate biscuits unless you plan to consume them quickly, as cool temperatures can add moisture.
