Tips for Storing Ketupat to Make It Last Longer and Not Spoil Quickly, Check Out the Steps!

Ketupat is a traditional dish that is always present during Eid, usually enjoyed with chicken opor, rendang, or pumpkin vegetables. However, ketupat often spoils or becomes slimy if not stored properly.

To keep ketupat fresh and enjoyable for several days, it is important to know the correct storage methods. Starting from the cooking method, drying, to storing it in the fridge, all these stages greatly affect the durability of ketupat.

So, how do you store ketupat to keep it delicious and not spoil quickly? Here are some tips that have been summarized from various sources that you can apply.

1. Use Quality Ingredients

• Before storing ketupat, the selection of main ingredients greatly affects the durability of the ketupat. This includes the type of wrapping leaves and the rice used.
• Choose young coconut leaves that are yellowish-green. Overripe coconut leaves tend to make the ketupat smell bad quickly and spoil easily.
• Use good quality rice. Glutinous rice is more suitable for ketupat, but if you want it to last longer, dry rice can be an option because its texture is drier after cooking.
• Add lime water. Lime water can help keep the ketupat chewy and more durable.

2. The Right Cooking Process

The boiling stage of ketupat is crucial for its durability after cooking. There are several things to consider when cooking ketupat to prevent it from spoiling quickly:

• Make sure the ketupat is completely submerged in water while boiling. The boiling process should last at least 4-5 hours for the ketupat to cook perfectly and not become slimy quickly.
• Use clean and fresh water. If possible, use boiled water for boiling to avoid bacterial contamination from raw water.
• Avoid opening and closing the pot too often. This can disrupt the water temperature and cause the ketupat to cook unevenly.

3. Cool Immediately with Cold Water

• After the ketupat is cooked, immediately cool it down to prevent further cooking that could make it spoil quickly.
• Dip the ketupat into cold water for a few minutes. This step aims to stop the heating process to keep the texture of the ketupat nice.
• Do not soak for too long. Just dip it a few times to remove excess heat, as soaking for too long can make the ketupat absorb water and accelerate spoilage.
• Use cold boiled water or ice water. This also helps to clean any remaining slime or dirt that may still be stuck in the ketupat weave.

4. Store Ketupat the Right Way

There are several methods for storing ketupat to keep it fresh depending on how long it will be stored.

• If you want to consume it within 1-2 days: Store it at room temperature by hanging it to ensure good air circulation. Quoting from Detikfood, hanging the ketupat can make it last for 2-3 days as the remaining moisture will dry out faster.
• If you want to store it longer: Place the ketupat in the refrigerator, but not in the freezer. Ketupat stored in the refrigerator can last up to 4-7 days.

Use an airtight container or tightly sealed plastic. Avoid storing ketupat openly in the refrigerator as it can absorb the odors of other foods.

5. Warm Up Before Consumption

• Ketupat that has been stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator should be warmed up first before serving to maintain its delicious texture.
• Steam the ketupat for 20-30 minutes. Steaming is recommended over heating in the microwave as it helps preserve its softness.
• Do not reheat too often. If the ketupat has been warmed once, it is best to consume it immediately because repeated heating can make it spoil faster.

Check the texture and aroma of the ketupat before consumption. If the ketupat smells sour or is slimy, it is best not to consume it anymore.

6. FAQ

1. Can ketupat be stored while still hot?

No. Ketupat that is still hot should be cooled down first to prevent moisture from evaporating, which can cause it to spoil quickly.

2. How to tell if ketupat has spoiled?

Signs of spoiled ketupat include the appearance of slime on the surface of the leaves, excessively soft texture, and a strong sour smell.

(kpl/rmt)