How to Store Mochi (Japanese Rice Cake) For a Long Time

Mochi has grown immensely in popularity because of its amazing subtle sweet taste and gummy like marshmallow texture.

Now if you don’t know Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made of mochigome, which is a short-grain japonica glutinous rice, and other ingredients such as water, sugar, and cornstarch.

You can make mochi by using either the traditional method or by using a modernized method.

But whether you’ve made Mochi the traditional way or you use modernized techniques, you would need to know how to store it well. So in this article, we will walk you through how to properly store you mochi so that it keeps for a long time.

How to Store Traditional Mochi

Traditional Mochi has the best flavor and texture if eaten on the same day that it is made or at the very latest the next day.

Now because Mochi is made from rice, it has a tendency to harden and dry out very quickly if left out. So if you are keeping Mochi at room temperature for a day or two, ensure that it is stored in a air tight container away from moisture. Fresh mochi is susceptible to mold if left at room temperature for longer than one or two days maximum. 

Fresh mochi should not be stored in the refrigerator as it will become hard and dry out. Plus the moisture in the refrigerator may cause condensation which will affect the texture of the Mochi. Instead, the best option for long term storage of fresh mochi is in the freezer.

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Steps to Freezing Fresh Mochi

• Prepare your Mochi as normal, then roll the prepared mochi balls in potato starch, which is available at most grocery stores,
• The potato starch helps to keep them soft and prevent them from sticking together when you freeze them in a large batch.
• Next, place the individual mochi balls on a cookie sheet either lined with freezer paper or parchment paper because mochi is super-sticky.
• Put the cookie sheet in the freezer, just make sure there is space between your mochi balls so they freeze without sticking together.
• Once they are frozen, you need to carefully remove them from the cookie sheet.
• Wrap each individual piece of mochi in clear plastic wrap and put them into a freezer-safe container or gallon freezer bag and freeze.
• When you are ready to eat them, take the number of individually frozen balls you wish to consume out of the freezer a few hours before you wish to eat them, and let them come to room temperature.
• The taste of the mochi might not be as good as freshly made Mochi but they will still be delicious.

How Long Does Frozen Mochi Last For

Once properly frozen, Mochi will last for a year in the freezer.

How to Defrost Fresh Mochi Quickly

1. First, get a clean paper towel and dampen with some water, use the dampened towel to rub all sides of the frozen mochi.
2. Next cover a microwave-safe plate with parchment paper and set the frozen mochi on top. 
3. Finally, microwave the frozen mochi cake for 1 minute.
4. Then remove it from the microwave and test it with your fingers to see if it’s hot.

How to Store Daifuku Mochi

Daifuku Mochi is a small round mochi stuffed with sweet filling, most commonly anko, sweetened red bean paste made from azuki beans.

You should store fresh Daifuku in a cool dry place and consume within two days. Don’t refrigerate Fresh Daifuku for longer than 5 days.

Steps to Storing Daifuku Mochi Before Stuffing.

Since Daifuku Mochi is basically a stuffed Mochi you can make the rice dough or mochi ahead of time and freeze it. Freezing the mochi dough without filling it also allows you to break up the laborious process of making Daifuku mochi.

• First, flatten the dough into individual discs like you’re going to fill it, and wrap each disc individually and freeze for later use by following the instructions above on how to freeze Fresh traditional Mochi.
• When you are ready to make daifuku mochi, take out your mochi disks, thaw them on the counter until they come to room temperature, and fill them with the filling of your choice.
• The dough will be easier to work with after freezing.
• The Taste and texture might however, be slightly altered after freezing.

How to Store Mochi Ice-Cream.

Mochi ice cream is a traditional Japanese dessert that is made from glutinous rice and ice cream. This dessert is usually shaped into balls with ice cream filling the center.

Homemade mochi ice cream can be kept in an airtight container in your freezer for up to 1 week. When you’re ready to eat, let the ice-cream sit out at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before eating. 

How to Store Packaged Mochi

Every company varies on how to store their mochi so read the directions on the packaged carefully. Typically packaged mochi can remain at room temperature for a period as recommended by the maker. However Store bought Mochi Ice-Cream must be kept in the freezer until its ready to be eaten.

How to Make Easy Mochi Ice-cream

Warning: Mochi, or rice cake, is extremely thick and chewy, so it is very important to take small bites of mochi and chew very well to avoid choking.