black rice can be stored for around 18 months

if vacuum packed, shelf life is extended and rice can hold up over 3 years.

for one, store dry and cool. close the bag after opening

Do so and any type of young rice, freshly milled, can be stored easily for over a year.

what makes grain storage difficult is that water inside a grain is being exchanged with its surrounding air

Grains contain a certain percentage of water, this we call moisture content. When the surrounding air is humid, grains will absorb more water (and as a result rice may mold), whereas dry air makes rice release water.

Ideally, moisture levels should be between 10.5 and 12%. Then rice can't mold nor become too dry to cook.

Vacuum packing is not an absolute requirement to get a good quality rice, but for long term storage, it adds tremendous value

Vacuum packing blocks this exchange, creates a closed system.

So, this is what we do: just before milling our rice is being dried to water levels around 11.5%. Then we pack vacuum at a room temperature around 25ºC (~300K) and relative humidity below 65%.

We guarantee vacuum packed black rice can be kept aside for several years.

Another benefit is that due to lower oxygen levels insect infestation and microorganism growth is nearly impossible.

storing rice in the freezer

Rice can be stored several years this way as water gets frozen, so no water exchange between rice and its environment.