Are we tired of beans yet? I didn’t think so. The bean renaissance is one thing I’m glad is part of all this cooking at home during the pandemic. Just look at the release of Joe Yonan’s great Cool Beans cookbook and Rancho Gordo’s continued dominance of the high-end bean market, which is made even better by owner Steve Sando’s hilarious presence on Twitter. Everywhere you look, you can find bean recipes. You can also use beans in ways you might not have thought of.
The good thing about beans is that they’re tasty even if you never got off the waiting list for the Rancho Gordo bean club. (I’m still waiting. You can make great meals with simple dried beans from the grocery store, and there’s no shame in using canned beans.
If you cooked your own beans, you can store them exactly as you would any leftovers. Not all of the beans might be used, so what should you do? It’s tempting to just put foil over the open can and put it in the fridge, but there are better ways to store those beans.
Canned beans are a pantry staple for many home cooks. They’re nutritious, budget-friendly, and versatile. But what do you do when you don’t use up the whole can? Can you freeze the leftovers?
The short answer is yes, you can freeze canned beans after opening them Freezing allows you to store the unused portion for later use This prevents food waste and saves you money.
However, there are some important steps to follow when freezing canned beans. Properly freezing them will maintain their texture and flavor Read on to learn the ins and outs of freezing canned beans
How to Freeze Canned Beans
Freezing canned beans is simple with these easy steps:
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Drain and Rinse: Drain the liquid from the beans into a colander. Give them a good rinse under cool running water. This removes excess sodium and any “tinny” metallic flavor.
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Portion: Divide the beans into usable portions in resealable plastic freezer bags or airtight containers. Freezing in individual portions allows you to thaw just what you need.
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Remove Air: Squeeze out excess air and seal the bags or containers. This prevents freezer burn.
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Label: Date and label the container with the type of bean. This makes identification easy when searching your freezer.
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Freeze: Place flat in the freezer so they freeze quickly. Once frozen, you can stack the bags or containers to consolidate space.
And that’s it! Well-frozen beans will keep for 3 to 6 months in the freezer.
Tips for Freezing Canned Beans
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For best results, use beans within 3 months. The texture declines after that.
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Add a bit of lemon juice or vinegar to help maintain color and flavor.
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Frozen beans may turn slightly mushy after thawing. Use them in soups, chili, or other cooked dishes.
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Don’t freeze beans in the can. The can could burst.
Frequently Asked Questions
Freezing canned beans is convenient but there are some common questions:
Can you freeze all types of canned beans?
Yes, all varieties of canned beans freeze well. This includes:
- Black beans
- Garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
- Kidney beans
- Cannellini beans
- Pinto beans
- Navy beans
- Baked beans
Follow the same freezing method for any canned bean. Their texture holds up well.
How long do frozen canned beans last?
Properly frozen canned beans will maintain best quality for 3 to 4 months. They remain safe to eat for up to 6 months but may become more soft.
Be sure to label containers with the date for easy reference. If you notice any ice crystals or freezer burn, toss the beans.
Can you freeze beans in the can?
Freezing beans in the can is not recommended. As the contents expand during freezing, the can could burst and make a mess. Always transfer them to a plastic freezer bag or airtight container first.
Should you rinse canned beans before freezing?
Yes, it’s recommended to rinse canned beans before freezing. Giving them a wash removes excess sodium, metallic flavors, and liquid. This helps them retain flavor in the freezer.
How do you thaw frozen canned beans?
The best way to safely thaw beans is in the refrigerator overnight. You can also submerge the bag or container in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Avoid thawing at room temperature.
Once thawed, use them within 3 to 4 days. Don’t refreeze beans after thawing.
Can you season beans before freezing?
It’s best to freeze canned beans without added seasonings. Ingredients like onion, garlic, and spices can change texture during freezing. Season beans after thawing for best results.
What’s the best way to store frozen beans?
Use airtight containers or freezer bags when freezing canned beans. Squeeze out excess air and seal tightly. Store flat in the freezer until the beans harden, then you can stack bags to save space.
Are frozen canned beans as nutritious as fresh?
Yes, frozen canned beans retain the same nutritional value as fresh cooked beans. They are high in protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium and more. The canning and freezing process does not significantly degrade the nutrients.
Tips for Using Frozen Canned Beans
Frozen canned beans can be used in all the same ways as fresh beans. Here are some delicious ways to use them:
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Add to soups, stews, and chilis. They hold up well to cooking.
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Purée with olive oil, lemon, and tahini to make quick hummus.
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Mash them into bean dip for snacking.
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Toss with roasted veggies and pasta for a protein-packed salad.
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Sauté with onion and garlic for an easy side dish.
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Make vegetarian tacos, burritos, or quesadillas by adding beans, cheese, and veggies.
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Use in homemade vegetarian burgers and bean-based meatballs.
So go ahead and stock up on canned beans when they are on sale. Freeze the extras to have them ready when a recipe calls for beans. With proper freezing methods, you’ll have delicious beans anytime.
Get them out of the can
Storing anything canned in the fridge is not ideal, according to Carl Batt, a food microbiologist at Cornell University. For one, it’s hard to get a good seal over a can, which can lead to foods drying out and taking on flavors/scents from elsewhere in the refrigerator. Second, while leaching of metal into your canned goods is likely not a health concern, it can affect flavor. Recycle that can and store your leftover beans in glass or plastic. Depending on how much I am storing I might use a small ball jar or a plastic deli container.
Rinse them off.
Put them in a colander and run cold water over them until the water runs clear. Then, let them drain for about 10 minutes to make sure they don’t have too much water.