Canned lima beans are a pantry staple for many home cooks. They’re nutritious, protein-packed, and ready to use in soups, stews, salads, and more. But once you open a can of lima beans, how long do they last? Here’s a comprehensive guide to maximizing the shelf life of canned lima beans after opening them.
Overview of Canned Lima Bean Shelf Life
The shelf life of canned lima beans depends on several factors:
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Unopened canned lima beans last 2-5 years past the “best by” date printed on the can.
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Once opened, canned lima beans will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
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For maximum freshness and quality, store opened canned lima beans in an airtight container in the fridge.
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Freezing extends the shelf life of lima beans for 6-12 months
Refrigerating Opened Canned Lima Beans
Once you open a can of lima beans, refrigeration is the best way to extend their shelf life for a short period.
Here are some tips for proper storage in the fridge
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Transfer the lima beans to an airtight container or jar. Mason jars work great.
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Make sure the container is completely sealed to block air exposure. Air causes oxidation which leads to off-flavors and textural changes.
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Store the lima beans towards the back of the fridge where temperatures are coldest.
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Use the lima beans within 3-4 days for best quality. Their texture may start to degrade after that.
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Do not store the lima beans in the original can in the fridge. The can is not airtight enough.
Refrigeration slows bacterial growth and keeps the lima beans fresh for a few days. But for longer term storage, the freezer is best.
Freezing Opened Canned Lima Beans
Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of canned lima beans for 6-12 months. Here are some freezing tips:
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Let lima beans cool to room temperature before freezing.
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Portion beans into freezable containers or freezer bags. Avoid giant bulk packages.
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Exclude as much air as possible and seal the containers tightly.
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Label bags or containers with the date and contents.
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Lay flat containers in a single layer in the freezer until fully frozen.
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Once frozen, bags or containers can be stacked or stored upright.
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Avoid repeated thaws and refreezes, which degrades quality.
When ready to use, thaw lima beans overnight in the fridge or quickly in the microwave. Use within a few days for best flavor.
Maximizing Shelf Life of Canned Lima Beans
To get the longest usable shelf life from canned lima beans:
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Buy cans with latest “best by” dates. Check dates and pick cans with most time before expiration.
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Store unopened cans in a cool, dry pantry. Avoid warm areas like by the oven or in direct sunlight.
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Refrigerate beans after opening and use within 3-4 days. Transfer to a sealed container.
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Freeze any beans you won’t use within several days. Portion into bags or containers.
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Look for signs of spoilage before eating, like off smells, texture, or appearance. Discard if in doubt.
Following proper storage methods allows you to enjoy canned lima beans for their full shelf life – up to 2-5 years when unopened, and 6-12 months when frozen after opening.
How to Tell If Opened Canned Lima Beans Are Bad
Unfortunately, even with proper storage lima beans won’t last forever. Here are signs that indicate spoiled canned lima beans:
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Off odors like sour, rotten, or sulfurous smells. Good lima beans have a mild earthy smell.
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Mold growth, sliminess, or white film on the surface of the beans.
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Deflated texture – beans look visibly shriveled up or mushy.
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Discoloration – beans appear darker, dulled, or greyish.
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Rancid taste – beans no longer taste fresh and mild.
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Too old – beans are past recommended storage times of 3-4 days in fridge or 6-12 months frozen.
When in doubt, remember the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out” applies to canned lima beans too. Don’t risk getting sick from consuming spoiled beans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do canned lima beans last unopened?
Unopened canned lima beans typically last 2-5 years past the “best by” date printed on the can when stored properly in a cool, dry pantry.
Can you freeze canned lima beans?
Yes, freezing extends the shelf life of opened canned lima beans. Portion into containers or bags, exclude air, and freeze for 6-12 months.
What happens if you eat bad lima beans?
Eating spoiled canned lima beans can potentially cause foodborne illness leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever in severe cases. Don’t risk getting sick – discard beans that look or smell off.
Do canned lima beans expire?
Yes, canned lima beans have expiration dates and will eventually spoil and expire. Unopened they last years, but opened cans should be used within 3-4 days refrigerated or 6-12 months frozen.
Can canned lima beans make you sick?
Consuming spoiled or contaminated canned lima beans can make you sick. Botulism is a rare but dangerous risk. Follow all storage times and look for signs of spoilage before eating. When in doubt, throw it out.
Can you cook canned lima beans from the can?
Yes, you can cook canned lima beans directly from the can without pre-soaking or pre-draining. For many recipes you simply empty the can into a pan and gently heat until warm. They’re pre-cooked so no major cooking needed.
Do you rinse canned lima beans before using them?
It’s optional to rinse canned lima beans. Rinsing removes excess starch and liquid but results in some nutrient loss. Not rinsing saves time. For salt-sensitive diets, rinsing reduces sodium levels.
Are canned lima beans already cooked?
Yes, canned lima beans are fully cooked and tender when you purchase them. They can be used directly from the can into hot dishes, salads, etc. No pre-cooking is needed, just gentle heating.
How do you thicken canned lima beans?
To thicken lima beans, drain and rinse them well. Then simmer beans while uncovered to evaporate liquid. Add cornstarch slurry and simmer until desired consistency. Pureeing beans also thickens them.
What recipes use canned lima beans?
Many recipes use canned lima beans: soups like split pea soup, stews like minestrone, chilled bean salads, dips like hummus, casseroles, succotash, chilis, falafel, burgers, fritters like falafel, and more!
The Bottom Line
Canned lima beans provide an easy, nutritious pantry staple to incorporate into recipes. Unopened, they boast an impressively long shelf life of 2-5 years. But once opened, it’s best to use canned lima beans within 3-4 days stored in the fridge in an airtight container. For storage beyond a few days, divide into portions and freeze bags or containers for 6-12 months. Following proper storage methods will ensure you can safely enjoy every last bean!
Freezing Preparation for Lima Beans
Blanching fresh lima beans, also called butter beans, before freezing is the best way to keep their quality. Blanching means putting the beans in boiling water for a set amount of time and then quickly cooling them off in cold water. This process helps in preserving the beans’ texture, color, and nutritional content.
- Wash: Ensure the lima beans are thoroughly clean.
- Blanch: Boil lima beans for 2 minutes for small beans, 3 minutes for medium beans, and 4 minutes for large beans.
- Cool: Put the blanched beans right into a big bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Dry: Once cooled, drain and pat the beans dry.
- Pack: Put the lima beans in freezer bags, press out any extra air, and seal the bags.
- Label: Clearly label the bags with the date of freezing.
The ready-made lima beans should be kept at 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) so they can last up to six months without losing much of their quality.
Incorporating Lima Beans into Diverse Dishes
Lima beans are incredibly versatile and can be a staple ingredient in many recipes:
- Soups and stews: A hearty and healthy addition to soups and stews is lima beans. They take in the flavors of the broth and other ingredients, making the dish taste better overall.
- Adding cooked and cooled lima beans to salads is a great way to add protein to them. They taste great with vinaigrette dressings and hearty greens like kale.
- Pours and spreads: Lima beans can be mixed into a smooth paste to make dips and spreads. Season with herbs and spices for a flavorful appetizer.
Additionally, lima beans can be preserved through canning, allowing them to be ready-to-use in recipes year-round. Remember to follow all safety guidelines when canning to ensure the beans are stored properly.