Yeah my wife says stuff like that about the rice in our cooker from time to time... I think the rice is perfectly edible, maybe not as "fresh" but it sure seems good every time she says that.
Speaking of Asian food, you guys really should get some 5 gallon soy sauce buckets from a local asian diner and wash them out good, then get some of the screw-on lids from Sportsman's Guide. They really work, and the 5 gallon buckets are instantly stackable in the garage or elsewhere. The local restaraunt throws theirs out every week or two. The buckets from soy sauce are best, but the oil buckets work too... they are all food-grade and just need a bit more soap
The ginger buckets are square and so you can't really find lids for them. Any carry-out restaraunt should have an ample supply they throw out so you shouldn't have too much of a problem finding some.
I label mine with some 2" blue masking tape so I can easily figure out what's inside. We have a dozen of them I think. Keep everything from rice (easily holds a 25-pound bag!) to packets and other dry goods we don't want to store inside but don't want to leave out for the bugs in the garage. They are $7.00 if you're a member. I got the white lids since I figure if we ever keep them indoors the white ones look good for the kitchen:
Tools, Storage, Gamma Seal Storage Container Seals, By Gamma at Sportsman's Guide