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If you found a bag of lentils in your pantry and were wondering, “Are these still good to eat?” then you’re in the right place. Beans are a great source of protein that come from plants and are very cheap. They are high in fiber and good for your gut health. The dried ones are not only less expensive than the canned ones, but they also last longer and cook more evenly. (Psst: Check out Our Favorite Way to Cook Dried Beans in the recipe for Classic Baked Beans. ).
So does that mean we should all stockpile dried chickpeas, pintos and cannellini? Not so fast. Pulses, like chickpeas, lentils, dry peas, and beans, are the dry, edible seeds of plants in the legume family. Dried beans and all pulses are pretty durable if you store them right, but they won’t last forever. Even if old dried beans are safe to eat, they degrade in quality in several ways. How much to keep on hand depends on how quickly you make your way through your stash. To make sure the food you eat is at its best, here’s what you need to know about how long dried beans last.
Kidney beans are a versatile legume enjoyed around the world in many cuisines. Their rich, meaty texture makes kidney beans ideal for chili, stews, tacos, salads, and more. But like other dried beans, kidney beans have a limited shelf life. Understanding how to store uncooked kidney beans properly and recognize when they are past their prime will help you enjoy them at their best.
Overview of Kidney Bean Shelf Life
When stored under optimal conditions. dried uncooked kidney beans will remain edible for
- 1-2 years past the printed ‘best by’ date.
- Up to 2 years if no date is printed on the package.
The ideal storage conditions are in a cool, dry pantry away from light and humidity. Heat, moisture, and air degrade beans over time. Stored properly, kidney beans can last 2 years but their quality and texture decline past that point.
How to Store Uncooked Kidney Beans
To maximize shelf life, store dried uncooked kidney beans:
- In a sealed container or resealable bag.
- In a cool, dry pantry away from heat and sunlight.
- At a temperature of 60-70°F.
- Away from moisture and humidity.
Avoid overly warm spots like near the oven or fridge exhaust. Refrigeration can extend shelf life slightly but also increases moisture exposure. Freezing is not recommended for uncooked beans. Portion beans out rather than repeatedly opening a large bag.
Signs Kidney Beans Have Gone Bad
Watch for these signs that dried kidney beans have spoiled and should be discarded:
- Bean surfaces appear discolored, shriveled, or crunchy.
- Visible mold growth on beans.
- Strong musty or sour odor when beans are exposed to air.
- Presence of bugs or weevils in the package.
If kidney beans have become damp or moist from storage issues they are more prone to microbial growth and spoilage. Always inspect and smell beans before use. Even one moldy bean can spoil the whole batch.
Nutrition and Food Safety
Over time, uncooked kidney beans lose nutritional value as compounds like vitamins and antioxidants degrade. Cooked kidney beans also become tougher and less flavorful the longer they are stored.
While dried beans don’t necessarily spoil and become unsafe to eat, very old beans take longer to soften when cooking. Kidney beans stored over 2 years may never fully hydrate. Under-cooked kidney beans pose a toxicity risk.
Cooking Older Uncooked Kidney Beans
To cook kidney beans stored for over 1 year:
- Soak beans for at least 8 hours or overnight in fresh water. Discard soaking water.
- Rinse soaked beans.
- Cook beans in fresh water for at least 30 minutes at a full boil.
- Cook beans thoroughly until very soft. Discard cooking water.
The extended boiling helps deactivate lectin proteins that can cause digestive issues if beans don’t fully rehydrate during cooking. Always taste-test beans for doneness. When in doubt, cook them longer.
Getting the Most from Your Kidney Beans
To enjoy kidney beans at their nutritional and flavor peak:
- Buy beans in smaller quantities you can use within 1 year.
- Date packages with a marker for easy reference.
- Transfer beans to sealed containers to limit air exposure.
- Store beans in the pantry away from heat, light, and humidity.
- Cook beans within 2 years for best texture and performance.
- Soak and boil older beans thoroughly before eating.
With proper dry storage, uncooked kidney beans can be kept in the pantry up to 2 years. Follow the storage guidelines, check for signs of spoilage, and adjust cooking times for older beans. This will provide you with safe, tender beans to create flavorful recipes for chili, salads, rice dishes, and more!
Do dried beans expire?
While most packages of dried beans do not come with an expiration date, they will not last forever. The U.S. Department of Agricultures FoodKeeper app says, “For freshness and quality, dried beans should be consumed within 1 to 2 years if in the pantry from the date of purchase; 1 year if pantry stored after opening.”
Dried beans stored too long will degrade in the following ways:
- lose their nutritional benefits over time
- take longer to cook
- become tougher and less creamy in texture than fresher beans
Tip: You can still use the dried beans as pie weights even if they are past their best but not rotten.
What’s the best way to store dried beans?
You can keep your beans fresh for a long time by putting them in a cool, dry container that won’t let air in. This barrier will keep the air from hurting the beans before they should, so you won’t have to worry about them drying out or keeping too much water. Keep different kinds of beans in separate bags if you have a lot of them. That way, one bad bean won’t damage the whole bunch.
Pro tip: Label the containers with the date so you know when you bought the beans.
How To Soak And Cook Kidney Beans
FAQ
Do uncooked kidney beans go bad?
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