Picking beans at just the right time is crucial for getting the best quality dried beans. Knowing when your beans are ready for harvest will ensure you end up with tender flavorful dried beans that store well. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about identifying when beans are ready for drying and how to pick them for optimal results.
How to Tell When Beans are Ready for Drying
Timing is key when harvesting beans for drying. Picking too early means the beans won’t be fully developed. Waiting too long risks the pods splitting open and the beans falling out. So when exactly should you harvest? Here are the signs to look for:
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Pods are completely mature. Immature, young pods will not produce good dried beans. The pods should be fully sized and well-filled out
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Pods begin drying out. As pods near maturity, they will start to lose their plumpness as the moisture content drops The pods will look drier and somewhat shriveled
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Pods turn yellowish or brown. The pod color will change from green to yellow, brown, or tan when the beans are nearing ideal dry down stage.
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Beans inside are firm. Gently press the pods to feel the beans. They should be rock hard, not soft or squishy.
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Stems and leaves start drying. The rest of the plant will also show signs of drying out when pods are ready for harvest.
Once most pods exhibit these traits, your beans are ready for picking. Timing varies by bean variety, but most types are ready around 4-6 weeks after flowering.
Dangers of Picking Too Early or Too Late
Picking beans at the wrong time can negatively impact quality:
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Too early – Beans will be underdeveloped, lacking full flavor and nutrients. The texture may be soft rather than nicely firm.
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Too late – Pods that are left to over-mature run a high risk of splitting open. Once the seeds spill out, they are exposed to pests and moisture that can cause mold growth.
To get ideal dried beans, it is essential to harvest during the short window when pods go from fully mature to just starting to dry.
How to Pick Beans for Drying
Follow these steps for gathering a bountiful bean harvest for drying:
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Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners to snip bean pods from the plant. Cut the stems an inch or two from the pod.
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Avoid crushing, breaking open, or damaging pods as you collect them. Gently place in basket or container.
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Pick in early morning after dew dries to prevent mold growth.
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If small amounts of pods are drying at different rates, you can harvest in multiple pickings over several days.
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Spread freshly picked pods out in a single layer, not touching, to allow for air circulation as they finish drying.
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For wet bean varieties (like kidney), snap pods in half so inner beans are exposed to air.
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Keep picked beans in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight.
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Allow to dry for 2-3 weeks, stirring daily and checking for any mold.
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To test if fully dry, beans should be so hard you cannot dent them with a fingernail.
Storing Dried Beans
Once beans are completely dried down, proper storage is important for preserving flavor and ensuring your harvest lasts.
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Cool, dark place. Avoid warmth, direct sunlight or moisture.
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Air tight container like a mason jar or vacuum sealed bags. Oxygen absorbers can help remove oxygen.
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Whole pods can be left on beans or removed by shelling. Shelled beans store longer.
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Inspect periodically and remove any beans with mold or damage.
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Most beans stay fresh for 12 months with ideal storage conditions.
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If humidity gets beans, dry again before storage.
Using Your Dried Bean Harvest
The reward for all your hard bean growing and drying work is enjoying delicious homegrown beans all year long. Here are some great ways to use them:
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Cook dried beans from scratch for soups, stews, side dishes.
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Soak then grind dried beans into healthy, homemade bean flours.
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Puree cooked beans for dips, spreads, hummus.
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Add beans to salads, rice or pasta dishes, baked goods.
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Sprout dried beans for nutritious salads and sandwiches.
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Roast dried beans for crunchy snacks and salad toppers.
With proper timing while picking and drying, your homegrown beans will remain tender and packed with flavor. Follow these tips for harvesting beans at the right stage for drying. Then storage them with care to enjoy their goodness all season long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about when and how to pick beans for drying? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
How can I tell when my specific bean variety is ready to pick for drying?
Because timing varies, your best indicator is the visual signs – yellowing or browning pods, signs of dryness, firm beans. Check your seed packet for number of days to maturity to have an estimated timeframe.
Can I leave bean plants in the ground to dry out completely?
It’s best to pick when pods show signs of drying. Leaving pods on too long risks exposure to moisture and pod splitting. Drying beans fully on the plant also allows for disease and pests.
Is it better to pick beans in the morning or evening?
Early morning, after dew has evaporated, is ideal. Avoid picking mid-day when sun is intense. Evening picking risks moisture from dew reforming on plants.
Should I remove the pods before drying beans?
You can dry beans either in the pod or shelled. Shelled beans may dry faster. But leaving pods on helps protect beans as they dry down. Both methods work.
My beans molded during drying. Can I still eat them?
No, you should discard any beans that show signs of mold growth. Mold produces toxins that remain even if mold is removed. Err on the safe side and compost moldy beans.
How can I speed up the drying process for beans?
Drying beans requires patience. Removing pods, splitting large beans, and spreading out in single layers will all help speed drying. Avoid attempting to dry beans in the microwave or oven which can cook beans.
Picking beans at just the right time and properly drying results in tender, delicious homegrown beans to enjoy all year. Follow these tips on identifying bean maturity and harvesting for success.
