Have you just opened a can of beans and wondered how long do beans last in the fridge? Well, we can give you everything you need to know about beans and their expiration dates.
No matter what beans you’re talking about, they’re the basic staple in the United States. And because they’re packed with nutrients, beans are an ideal ingredient for almost any healthy dinner.
Here we will dive deeper into the shelf life of beans and how best to store them. So let’s start.
How long do beans last in the fridge?
To preserve their flavor and nutritional quality, it’s important to answer the question, “How long do beans last in the fridge?” In addition, it can also save you from extreme cases of food poisoning.
Beans are legumes and are packed with protein and fiber. And the storage time of your beans depends largely on how you store them. If you haven’t opened your canned beans, you can store them on your counter for up to 5 years.
But you can also store them in the fridge. Once 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 airtight container, the beans will keep for up to 5 days.
If you want to extend the shelf life of your beans a bit, you can store them in your freezer. A can of opened beans can last up to 6 months in the freezer.
How are beans stored to extend their shelf life?
Extending the life of your beans is easy if you store them in proper containers and conditions. Simply store your canned or dried beans in a cool and dark place at a temperature below 75°F.
If you’ve recently cooked your beans, consider storing them in an airtight jar in your refrigerator. On the other hand, to keep your beans fresh, you should store them packaged in a freezer. Storing your beans in a freezer-safe container will preserve their flavor and nutritional value longer.
Contrary to common practices, covering a bowl of beans with aluminum foil or cling film would not preserve their flavor. No matter how dense the foil is, it still lets some oxygen through and dulls the flavor.
Conclusion
Beans are a staple food in many cultures and an important part of any healthy diet. Keep them in the fridge to preserve their flavor and nutritional value. And when asked “how long do beans keep in the fridge?” remember that you can use refrigerated beans for up to 5 days.