Have you just opened a can of beans and wondered: How long do beans last in the fridge? Well, we can provide you with everything you need to know about beans and their expiration date.
No matter which beans you are talking about, they are the quintessential staple food in the United States. And because they’re packed with nutrients, beans are an ideal ingredient for almost any healthy dinner.
Here, we’ll delve deeper in the shelf life of beans and how best to store them. So, let’s get started.
How Long Do Beans Last In The Fridge?
To preserve their taste and nutritional quality, it’s essential to answer the question, “How long do beans last in the fridge?”. Additionally, it can also save you from extreme cases of food poisoning.
Beans are legumes and are packed with protein and fiber. And your beans’ storage time would largely depend on how you store them. If you have not opened your canned beans, you can store them on your counter for up to 5 years.
But you can also keep them in your fridge. When you open the can of beans, they will last up to 2 hours on your counter. However, if you place them in your fridge in an air-tight container, the beans will keep for up to 5 days.
When you want to increase your beans’ shelf life slightly, you can store them in your freezer. A can of opened beans can remain edible for around 6 months in a freezer.
How To Store Beans To Extend Their Shelf Life?
Extending the lifespan of your beans is easy if you store them in proper containers and conditions. Simply keep your canned or dried beans in a cool and dark place at a temperature under 75°F.
If you have recently boiled your beans, you should store them in an air-tight jar in your refrigerator. On the other hand, to keep your beans fresh, you should keep them packed in a freezer. Storing your beans in a freezer-safe container will preserve their taste and nutritional value for longer.
As opposed to the general practices, covering a bowl of beans with tin foil or cling wrap wouldn’t preserve their taste. No matter how tight the foil is, it still allows some oxygen to penetrate and tarnish the flavor.
Conclusion
Beans are the staple diet in many cultures and key ingredient of any healthy diet. To preserve their taste and nutritional content, store them in a refrigerator. And when asking, “How long do beans last in the fridge?” remember that you can use refrigerated beans for up to 5 days.