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Given the longer shelf life of dried beans when compared to fresh produce, it makes sense to stock up on these (usually) cost-effective veggies. But just how much should you keep on hand? Just like any food, dried beans dont really last forever — despite how it may seem. Heres what you should know about the shelf life of dried beans.
Beans, classified as legumes, can be dried or canned. When stored properly in food-grade bags, dried beans can last up to a year or more. While beans can technically last indefinitely as they are considered a shelf-stable food, the taste may not be the same.
Originally published in the January/February 2023 issue of Countryside and Small Stock Journal and regularly vetted for accuracy.
As an additional experiment, we wondered if beans this old were still viable. In other words, could they be grown? There was only one way to find out. I planted some.
We haven’t been able to locate a similar study for beans, but our anecdotal experiment illustrated that quarter-century-old beans can be very forgiving.
I scooped out about two cups last year and ran the beans through a basic cooking test. I soaked them overnight in water, then put them in a pot with fresh water and boiled them for about 30 minutes. The result? Soft and ready for a chili cook-off.
More and more people are engaging in long-term food storage, which is a decidedly encouraging trend. While I hope you don’t make the same food-storage mistakes we did, it’s nice to know you can still eat (and grow) 24-year-old beans.
How long do dried beans last?
According to the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, “if stored properly in a cool, dry place, they have a minimum shelf life of one year, keeping indefinitely and withstanding harsh or tropical environments.”
Time alone wont make beans go bad, per se, but they certainly wont taste the same. After 2–3 years, the beans will start losing their nutritional value, and most naturally found vitamins will be gone within 5 years.
If youre unsure about when you bought the bag if beans in the back of pantry, theyre probably safe to eat as long as they check out with these standards:
- No signs of pantry bugs — if weevils have made a home in your container or bag, its time to throw it away.
- No mold growth — Pinto beans are usually a beige/tan color. So if you see mottled skin, dark spots or any visible traces of mold, you should toss them.
- No unusual smells — dried beans should not have a strong smell. If theres a rancid aroma when you open your bag of beans, this cold be a sign of molding, fermentation or pest droppings. Toss em!
Dry Bean Food Storage Myth – Actual Shelf-Life Revealed
FAQ
Can you eat dry beans past expiration date?
Are 5 year old dried beans still good?
Can you eat expired beans?
When dried beans float are they bad?
What happens if dried beans go past their expiration date?
Dried beans have a pretty impressive shelf life, typically lasting 1-2 years if stored properly. But what happens if they go past their expiration date? Here’s the deal: if you’ve stored your dried beans correctly, they can still be consumed after their expiration date.
Can you freeze refried beans?
Freezing refried beans is a simple and practical solution for dealing with leftovers. You can reheat them on the stove or in the microwave.
How long do dry beans last?
We are going to tackle the shelf-life myth of dry beans in our research today. How long will dry beans remain edible in storage? Packaged and stored correctly, dry beans will remain edible for 25 to 30 years. The best quality is always achieved when dry beans are fresh. Dry beans will gradually deteriorate over time.
Are dried beans still good?
It is important to check the expiration date before using them, but even if they have passed their expiration date, they may still be safe to eat. Here are some tips on how to tell if dried beans are still good: Smell them – If the beans smell musty or sour, they may have gone bad.