Enough is enough. It’s finally time to use those bags of dried beans that have been sitting in the cupboard for too long. You bought them years ago for a reason, whether you dreamed about chili or black bean burgers. But are they still safe to eat? How long can you store dried beans?.
We’ve got the answer. These tough little gems can last ten years if you know how to keep them.
Lima beans, also known as butter beans, are a delicious and nutritious legume that can be purchased dried and prepared at home. When stored properly, dried lima beans can have a remarkably long shelf life, retaining their quality for up to a year or longer Read on to learn more about the shelf life of dried lima beans and best practices for storage.
Overview of Dried Lima Bean Shelf Life
When kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry dried lima beans can last 6-12 months at optimal quality. Some sources indicate they can keep even longer – around 1-2 years. However their texture and flavor will slowly degrade over time. Dried lima beans may still be edible after 2 years, but they likely won’t be as creamy or tender. Freezing can extend shelf life to 1-2 years.
How to Tell if Dried Lima Beans Are Bad
Dried lima beans that have spoiled will exhibit certain signs. Check for the following before cooking:
- Shriveled, cracked appearance
- Visible mold growth
- Strange odors – dried beans should have no odor
- Tough, dry texture when cooked
- Bitter, unpleasant taste
Discard any dried lima beans that display these signs of spoilage. Do not try to salvage portions of beans in a package with some moldy beans, as the spores may have spread.
Proper Storage for Maximum Freshness
To extend the shelf life of dried lima beans:
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Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry away from light and heat. Glass jars or plastic containers work well.
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Keep lima bean storage containers away from moisture and humidity.
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Transfer beans from any original retail packaging into airtight storage containers, as this packaging is not impermeable.
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Label containers with purchase date and bean type for easy identification.
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Inspect beans periodically and discard any with signs of moisture, mold, or insects.
Freezing Dried Lima Beans
While dried beans store well at room temperature, you can freeze them for even longer term storage. To freeze:
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Place dried lima beans in airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
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Label with contents and freeze date.
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Freeze for up to 1-2 years at a constant 0°F.
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Once thawed, use immediately and do not refreeze.
Cooked Lima Bean Storage
Freshly cooked lima beans will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Freezing is best for long term storage of cooked beans. Portion cooked beans into freezer-safe bags or containers, allowing headspace, and freeze for 2-3 months.
Food Safety with Dried Beans
To prevent foodborne illness when cooking with dried lima beans:
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Inspect for damage, mold, or insects prior to soaking or cooking.
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Discard beans that are severely discolored or smell unpleasant.
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Soak in cool water for 5-6 hours, changing the water once or twice.
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Drain soaking water and rinse beans.
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Cook beans thoroughly until very soft. Undercooked beans can be toxic.
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Refrigerate cooked bean dishes; avoid leaving beans at room temperature.
Cooking Tips for Dried Lima Beans
To maximize the texture and flavor of dried lima beans:
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Pick over beans to remove any stones or debris before soaking.
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Soak beans for at least 5 hours, or up to 24 hours, to allow full hydration.
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Drain soaking water thoroughly before cooking to prevent rancidity.
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Simmer beans gently in fresh water; do not boil vigorously.
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Season cooking liquid with aromatics like onion, garlic, and herbs.
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Cook until beans are completely softened, about 1 hour or longer.
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Salt beans only at the end of cooking to prevent tough skins.
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Puree a portion of the beans and add back to thicken soups and stews.
Uses for Dried Lima Beans
Dried lima beans work well in these recipes:
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Hearty bean soups and chilis
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Puréed bean dips like hummus
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Mixed into succotash with corn and peppers
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In bean salads with vinaigrette
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Added to rice for burritos and tacos
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Made into bean burgers or vegetarian meatballs
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Baked into casseroles or pot pies
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Cooked into stews with vegetables
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Made into creamy bean spreads for bruschetta
How To Tell If Dried Beans *actually* Went Bad
Throw away any beans that smell bad, have mold on them, or are full of pantry bugs. Then, add a new bag to your list of things to buy. Moisture likely got into the bag or container, leading to their demise. The less oxygen and light, the better. If your beans are only slightly discolored, don’t throw them away. This is normal and doesn’t mean they’re past their prime.
If you have seriously aged beans on your hands that need a little extra love, a ¼ teaspoon of baking soda per pound might help them soften, according to The Bean Institute.
How To Keep Dried Beans Fresh
Officially, dried beans have a minimum shelf life of one to two years, per the USDA. Unofficially, they last…basically forever. Dried beans are considered non-perishable. After two to three years, the nutritional value starts diminishing, and all vitamins will be gone after five. (Warm storage temperatures will speed up that quality decrease, too.) But that doesn’t mean you couldn’t cook and eat them after 10 years if you really wanted to.
As long as they were kept in a cool, dry, dark place, dried beans are probably safe, though they might look different and lose some of their nutritional value. A tightly-sealed container will help the beans keep longer than the plastic bags they often come in. Also, keep your different kinds of beans separate so that one bad bunch doesn’t ruin the rest.
How To Harvest Lima Beans – Fresh or Dry
FAQ
Do dried lima beans expire?
How do you know if dried beans are too old?
Can you eat 10 year old dried beans?
Do bagged dry beans go bad?
How long do dry beans last?
The answer is that dry beans can last 1 to 2 years after their expiration date, as long as they are stored properly. How can you tell if dry beans have gone bad? Visual inspection is key. If you notice any signs of mold, an off smell, or the beans have become excessively dry and shriveled, it’s best to discard them.
Can I eat expired dry beans?
1. Can I consume dry beans after their expiration date? Dry beans have no official expiration date, so it is safe to consume them even after the date on the packaging, as long as they were stored correctly. 2. What happens if I eat expired dry beans?
How long can you Keep Dry beans in a bag?
According to world certified master chef Fred Tiess, an instructor at the College of Food Innovation and Technology at Johnson & Wales, it depends entirely on how they are packed. “Typically, you should plan to use dry beans within a year of purchase if they are stored in food-grade bags,” Tiess tells Southern Living.
Do dry beans need to be refrigerated?
Storing dry beans in the refrigerator is not necessary, as they can last for a long time in the pantry. However, if you choose to store them in the refrigerator, they can last up to 3-5 years, slightly extending their shelf life. Make sure to store them in a properly sealed container to prevent moisture from entering.