Rice Paste Resist Longevity

Q: I have a question about your rice paste recipe. Do I need to use it immediately after I make it or can I store it in the refrigerator in a jar? And if I can store it, do I use it straight out of the fridge or do I need to heat it up?

A: I've used the paste successfully after refrigerating for up to two weeks. After that, it just tends to be less "sticky" and will ferment. I've actually used some that got moldy in the fridge and smelled fermented. I just scraped off the mold and used it. Worked great! I've anecdotally heard that it can be frozen for longer periods of time and thawed before use but I’ve never tried that.

You can use it cold straight out of the refrigerator, though the consistency seems to be more workable when it gets back up to room temperature.

The best results definitely come from fresh made paste that has been allowed to cool to room temperature.