All cereals and grains should have a fresh, appealing aroma. As they age, the natural oils can become rancid. Storing grains, cereals, and meals in the freezer can prevent spoilage. Some cereals and grains should be rinsed before cooking. Others must be dry so that they can be added gradually to the cooking liquid. The pots for cooking the cereal or meal can be small or large, depending on the amount, but in general they should have a heavy bottom. In this Chef’s Tip, learn how to properly cook cereals and meals for a variety of dishes at home.