Dried Beans are an inexpensive, healthy, high protein food. However, dried beans require some prep work, like having to be sorted. Because of this, they often get left on the shelf while shoppers buy the canned version. Don’t be that shopper. Preparation is easy so pick up dried beans. Here’s how to sort beans and why you must do it.
Beans are a versatile and nutritious staple ingredient used in many cuisines around the world. However like any food beans are susceptible to spoilage if not stored and handled properly. Eating spoiled beans can cause foodborne illness, so it’s important to know how to identify bad beans before using them in recipes.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the common signs of spoiled beans, why beans go bad, and tips for preventing beans from spoiling. Read on to become an expert at spotting bad beans!
Key Signs of Spoiled Beans
Here are the top visual and aromatic indicators that beans have gone bad
- Mold growth – fuzz, spots, or discolored patches
- Wrinkled, shrivelled appearance
- Soft, mushy texture
- Strange odors – sour, fermented, or rotten smell
- Discoloration – unnatural hues
- Sliminess
Beans exhibiting any of these characteristics should be discarded. Relying on multiple factors, not just one, will give you an accurate assessment.
Common Causes of Bean Spoilage
What leads to beans becoming inedible and potentially dangerous? Here are some of the most common reasons beans can go bad:
- Improper storage – excess heat, moisture, or oxygen
- Age – beans deteriorating over time
- Damage – insect, rodent, or physical damage
- Contamination – bacteria, toxins, or foreign objects
- Undercooking – allowing bacteria to flourish
Preventing these causes through proper handling is key to keeping beans fresh and safe to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if canned beans are spoiled?
Check for bulging or leaking cans, rust, and unpleasant odors when opening. Discard beans if the can spurts liquid or has an off smell.
Do beans expire or go bad?
Yes, beans can expire and go bad over time. Dried beans last 1-2 years stored properly. Canned beans last 2-5 years unopened.
What happens if you eat bad beans?
Eating spoiled beans can lead to food poisoning, causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Moldy beans may trigger allergic reactions.
Can you salvage beans with a few bad ones?
No, discard the entire batch if even a few beans show signs of spoilage. The bad beans can contaminate the rest.
Is it safe to eat sprouted beans?
No, throw out sprouted beans. The warm, moist conditions that caused sprouting also enable bacterial growth.
Should you rinse old beans before cooking?
Yes, rinsing can help wash away dust or insect remnants. But rinse immediately before cooking, not when storing.
Can you make bad beans safe by cooking thoroughly?
No, bacteria and toxins from spoiled beans cannot be killed by prolonged cooking. The beans should be discarded.
How should you store beans to prevent spoilage?
Store beans in airtight containers in a cool, dry, dark place. Refrigeration can extend shelf life once opened.
What are signs of spoiled bean sprouts?
Look for brown or blackened tips, dark grooves, sliminess, and a sour or yeasty smell. Discard any discolored or foul-smelling sprouts.
Storing Beans Properly
The best defense against spoiled beans is utilizing proper storage methods to keep beans fresh for as long as possible:
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Store dried beans in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Glass jars or oxygen-absorber bags work well.
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Refrigerate cooked beans and opened canned beans. Eat within 3-5 days.
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Freeze leftover beans in airtight freezer bags for 2-3 months.
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Inspect stored beans periodically and discard any that look or smell spoiled.
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Purchase beans from reputable suppliers and check expiration or best-by dates.
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Once at home, date packages with purchase date for easier tracking.
Following these guidelines can extend the shelf life of beans by months or even years while maintaining safety and quality.
Conclusion
Being able to identify spoiled beans is an important kitchen skill that can prevent you from accidentally consuming toxic food. Now that you know what to look, smell, and feel for, you can easily detect bad beans and keep your ingredients fresh. Trust your senses, err on the side of caution, and don’t taste questionable beans. With proper identification and handling, you can enjoy beans safely for their maximal shelf life.
Why You Must Sort Beans
During the harvesting and packaging process of dried beans, piecesof debris sometimes end up in the final packaging. Small stones and rocks, dirt, twigs, and maybe even a bug or two could be in the package you bought.
There are natural things in dried beans that shouldn’t be there, and you also need to sort the beans to get rid of the “bad beans.”
These unpleasant things shouldn’t be in the meal you worked so hard on, so they need to be taken out.
What Do Bad Beans Look Like?
Good Beans are plump and smooth. They should look like themajority of the other beans in the same package. Now that you know what to lookfor, here are the beans that need discarding.
When you sort beans, remove the following types of beans anddiscard them.
- Shriveled Beans
- Beans with insect holes in them
- Split and broken beans
- Beans that are unnaturally dark or look burned.
- Beans that have mold on them
- Any beans that have loose skins